B-5 – Area 5 - Assessment of Environmental Effects 143 Given the foregoing, the proposed activities in Area 5 are not anticipated to result in the loss of natural inland wetland extent or values. Accordingly, the proposal is not contrary to the outcomes sought by this policy. 7.4.1.3 Policy 7 Policy 7 of NPSFM seeks to ensure the loss of river extent and values is avoided to the extent practicable. This is supported by clause 3.24 of the NPSFM which requires Regional Councils to include a new provision in their regional plans which guides how this policy will be implemented at a regional level. Collectively, these provisions direct that river loss be avoided, unless: there is functional need to locate the activity in way that causes loss of river extent and values; and if a functional need exists, the effects of the activity are managed in accordance with the effects management hierarchy described in the NPSFM. Specifically, the hierarchy requires: o adverse effects are avoided where practicable; o where adverse effects cannot be avoided, they are minimised where practicable; o where adverse effects cannot be minimised, they are remedied where practicable; o where more than minor residual effects cannot be avoided, minimised or remedied, aquatic offsetting is provided where possible; o if aquatic offsetting of more than minor residual effects is not possible, aquatic compensation is provided; and o if aquatic compensation is not appropriate, the activity itself is avoided. When implementing and evaluating an application against the effects management hierarchy, Clause 3.24(3) of the NPSFM directs that the hierarchy be applied to any loss of extent or values associated with (but not limited to) ecosystem health, indigenous biodiversity, hydrological functioning, Māori freshwater values and amenity. As identified in Section 3 of this AEE, the activities undertaken within Area 5 (and predominantly, the footprint of the GOP) will result in the loss of approximately 70 m of intermittent stream channel length, in the headwater gully flowing from Gladstone Hill. There is a functional need for the GOP to traverse, locate and operate within the location identified because it can only locate where the ore body is present. Underground mining techniques have been considered at this site, and are assessed as economically unfeasible.
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