B-5 – Area 5 - Assessment of Environmental Effects 144 The effects management hierarchy has been applied in the GOP design to limit the effects on river extent and values, by: The GOP occupies the smallest footprint practicable, minimising the area of the headwater gully requiring removal; Diverting dewatered ground and surface water from within the GOP during construction and operation to the WTP for treatment prior to discharge to the Ohinemuri River. The diversion of water in the manner described above ensures that water that would previously have discharged from the headwater gully, into the Ohinemuri River, remains within the Ohinemuri River catchment, thereby maintaining the hydrological functioning of the Ohinemuri River; Intercepting groundwater beneath the GOP TSF and diverting it to the WTP for treatment prior to discharge into the Ohinemuri River. The diversion of groundwater in this manner will minimise the potential for groundwater and surface water contamination from seepage beneath TSF when established. The above measures minimise adverse effects associated with the loss of river extent and values. However, it is not practicable to minimise all adverse effects. It is therefore proposed to remedy natural character and amenity effects by providing riparian enhancements along the lower reaches of the unnamed tributary and by enhancing the Gladstone Wetland. This work will also serve to offset the more than minor residual effects associated with the loss of riparian vegetation and reduced aquatic connectivity. With the above measures in place, the overall level of effects resulting from the proposed GOP are assessed “Low”. As there are no residual effects remaining that are more than minor, aquatic compensation and avoidance of the activity is not required. Notwithstanding the above, wider enhancement works are proposed within Area 5 which are not required as part of any offsetting measures. These are detailed by Boffa Miskell (2022a). With these measures in place, a net gain is anticipated across Area 5. OGNZL continues to engage with tangata whenua regarding the activities occurring within Area 5 and the wider WNP. OGNZP are actively engaging with tangata whenua to ensure the proposed activities avoid the loss of values and effect on Māori freshwater values or manages them in accordance with the effects management hierarchy. The loss of river extent associated with the GOP sought by this policy will avoid, to the extent practicable, any loss of river extent and values. 7.4.1.4 Policies 9 and 10 Protection of habitats of indigenous freshwater species, trout and salmon is the focus of Policies 9 and 10 respectively. The Ohinemuri River is a significant trout fishery.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjE2NDg3