B-2 – Area 2 - Assessment of Environmental Effects 104 The primary effect within Area 2 on terrestrial ecology is the loss of low value vegetation (2,500 m2) and potential fauna habitats. OGNZL propose to revegetate approximately 56,600 m2 of the available riparian areas for ecological and landscape mitigation and enhancement purposes;41 The removal of up to 390 m of Unnamed Tributary 2 will be offset with enhancement work proposed to Unnamed Tributary 3. The offsetting calculations are conservative as they are based on a permanent loss of stream length. On closure of the WRS (within ten years), Unnamed Tributary 2 will be reinstated and enhanced with greater ecological values than currently attributable to the tributary;42 While not works are proposed within the Mataura Wetland, enhancement of the wetland is proposed as part of the WNP. This includes providing a 10 m planted buffer (with fencing) around the wetland, weed and pest management and planting and managed natural regrowth from existing seed banks. These are additional enhancement plantings and are not required as part of any offset: Prior to works commencing within Unnamed Tributary 2, fish salvage and relocation will be carried out as per the wider WNP Fish Management Plan. Their habitats will also be enhanced through the offsetting and replanting work proposed within Area 2;43 Vegetation clearance will be undertaken in accordance with the Fauna Management Plan to ensure there are no active bird nests and lizards present when such works commence;44 Contaminants from WRS will be captured by subsurface drainage and collection ponds and will be diverted to the WTP for treatment prior to discharge into the Ohinemuri River. Sediment and Erosion Control Plans will ensure that sediment discharges are minimised. In both situations, overflow discharges to the Mataura Stream will only occur when water levels are sufficiently elevated to dilute the contaminants contained within the discharges. Accordingly, the effects of discharges on freshwater ecological values is less than minor.45 In light of the above, a net gain in indigenous biodiversity outcomes will therefore be achieved, as will the outcomes of Objective 3.19 and associated Policy 11.1. 41 Policy 11.1(c), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 42 Policy 11.1(j), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 43 Policy 11.1(b), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 44 Policy 11.1(b) and (d), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 45 Policy 11.1(b), Waikato Regional Policy Statement.
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