B-3 – Area 3 - Assessment of Environmental Effects 48 any demonstrated return flow to the aquifer;48 whether surface water instream uses, values and flows (including springs) are adversely affected;49 where sustainable yields have not been set in Tables 3-6 potential for loss of recharge to other aquifers;50 where sustainable yields have not been set in Tables 3-6 potential adverse effects from aquifer compaction and ground surface subsidence;51 potential for contamination of ground or surface water;52 potential for interference effects on neighbouring bores;53 possible monitoring methods;54 demonstration that physical access to the water does not adversely affect any other land and/or property owner;55 and the nature of hydraulic connection (if any) between the groundwater resource from which water is proposed to be taken and surface waterbodies.56 The WUG Access tunnel is within the Waihi Basin aquifer management area. The Waihi Basin aquifer is not currently subject to a sustainable yield in accordance with Tables 3-6 of the WRP, therefore the groundwater take has been assessed against the management level identified for the aquifer as set out in Section 5.4.2 of this AEE. The rationale for the abstraction of groundwater within Area 3 is explained in Section 3 of this AEE, while the actual and potential effects of the abstraction of groundwater (and how these will be managed) are discussed in Section 5 of this AEE. In particular, it is noted that the abstraction of groundwater is necessary to provide safe and efficient access between the mineral resources and the processing facilities. The groundwater take is also within the management limits identified for the Waihi Basin aquifer. Further, it is concluded that the abstraction of groundwater will not have any discernible effect on any existing groundwater abstraction, the natural variability of surrounding waterbodies or habitats within the surrounding pastoral farmland or any other aquifers (refer to Section 5.4.2). No 48 Policy 12(l), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 49 Policy 12(m), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 50 Policy 12(o), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 51 Policy 12(p), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 52 Policy 12(q), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 53 Policy 12(r), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 54 Policy 12(u), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 55 Policy 12(v), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 56 Policy 12(w), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan.
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