B-2 – Area 2 - Assessment of Environmental Effects 103 The mauri and identified values of the freshwater bodies affected by activities within Area 2 will therefore be managed in accordance with Objective 3.14 and associated Policy 8.3. The increasing demand and competition for water is managed via Policy 8.6 through the setting of allocation limits and other regional plan mechanisms which achieve the freshwater objectives identified in the RPS. While this policy is most relevant to regional plan promulgation, it is noted that: The effects of dewatering activities within Area 2 have an indiscernible effect on baseflows with the Mataura Stream, while the effects of surface water quality (associated with discharges from WRS) are considered to be negligible and within the RWQC. From a water allocation perspective, the life supporting capacity of Mataura Stream is therefore safeguarded.38 The Willows Farm Access Tunnel is located just outside of the Waihi Basin aquifer management area. This aquifer is not currently subject to a sustainable yield in accordance with Tables 3-6 of the WRP, and therefore Policy 12 of Section 3.3.3 applies to the assessment of this water take. Notwithstanding, the proposed take associated with dewatering of the Willows Farm Access Tunnel is well below the total available management limits for this aquifer;39 and As noted above, the effects of dewatering associated with the Willows Farm Access Tunnel will not be discernible in the closest registered bore, located approximately 1.2 km from the tunnel (at its closest point).40 The groundwater takes associated with Area 2 will therefore not create an impediment for the WRC achieving Objective 3.15 or associated Policy 8.6. 7.5.1.3 Indigenous biodiversity Objective 3.19 seeks that the full range of ecosystem types, their extent, and the indigenous biodiversity that those ecosystems can support exists in a healthy and functional state. Policy 11.1 contains the key directives with respect to the management of indigenous biodiversity. It seeks to promote positive indigenous biodiversity outcomes to maintain the full range of ecosystem types and maintain or enhance their spatial extent as necessary to achieve healthy ecological functioning of ecosystems. Of particular relevance to these provisions are the following matters: 38 Policy 8.6(b), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 39 Objective 3.14(a) and (c), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 40 Policy 8.6(c), Waikato Regional Policy Statement.
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