B-2 – Area 2 - Assessment of Environmental Effects 102 approximately 390 m of stream habitat will be offset by enhancement of Unnamed Tributary 3 and its margins When the WRS is removed, Unnamed Tributary 2 will also be rehabilitated, and instream and riparian habitats enhanced to provide greater ecological value that is currently available within this tributary. Overall, a net gain is anticipated for instream habitats and riparian margins within Area 2;33 Native fish and koura within Unnamed Tributary 2 will be salvaged and relocated prior to works commencing. Provision for fish passage will also be provided back into this tributary on the removal of WRS and rehabilitation of the stream;34 As set out in the GHD (2022) report, the majority of activities within Area 2 are located on a gently sloping terrace, approximately 10m above the Mataura Stream. Flooding during a 100 ARI does not pose a risk to infrastructure located within Area 2;35 The relationship between groundwater and surface water is assessed in Section 5.10 of this AEE. 36 As identified in this section: o the majority of water infiltrating the WRS will be captured by the seepage drain system positioned beneath the WRS. A localised influence on groundwater quality is expected, however the effects will not be permanent given that the WRS will be removed after a period of approximately ten years; o flow from the WRS gully tributary will be captured as part of the WRS drainage system which will temporarily reduce flows within the Mataura Stream. The change in flows is predicted to be small and unmeasurable (i.e. within the margins of error of the flow gauge); o dewatering associated with the construction of the Willows Farm Access Tunnel will result in an indiscernible loss of baseflow within the Mataura Stream (noting that the stream is not a considered “natural state” within Area 2); and o similar to the above, the effects of dewatering associated with the Willows Farm Access Tunnel will not be discernible in the closest registered bore, located approximately 1.2km from the tunnel (at its closest point); and, The Instream Work Aquatic Ecology Management Plan required by proposed regional consent conditions details how instream works will be managed to ensure the introduction of pest and weed species is avoided, and how construction monitoring will be completed to ensure the management plan objectives are met.37 33 Policy 8.3(b)(i)-(iii) and (c), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 34 Policy 8.3(c), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 35 Policy 8.3(d)(ii), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 36 Policy 8.3(e)(i) and (ii), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 37 Policy 8.3(e)(iii), Waikato Regional Policy Statement.
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