B-6 – Area 6 – Assessment of Environmental Effects 97 the effects of the activity are managed by applying the effects management hierarchy.74 As discussed with respect to Policy 7 of the NPSFM, the functional requirements of the NRS mean that it cannot practicably avoid a loss of river extent or values. Section 5.7 describes how the effects of river extent and values will be offset in accordance with the effects management hierarchy described in the NPSFM and concludes that the overall net outcome will be an overall improvement in the quality and extent of TB1. In light of the above, the proposed diversion of the TB1 meets both limbs of this policy. When considering any application for a discharge, Policy A4 requires the consent authority to have regard to: the extent to which the discharge avoids contamination that will have an adverse effect on the life-supporting capacity of freshwater and on the health of people and communities;75 and the extent to which it is feasible and dependable that any more than minor adverse effect on freshwater or the health of people and communities, resulting from the discharge would be avoided.76 Similar to Policy A4, Policy B7 requires the consent authority to have regard to the following matters when considering any application for the taking, using, damming or diversion of freshwater or the drainage of a wetland which is likely to result in a more than minor adverse change in the natural variability of flows or level of freshwater: the extent to which the change would adversely affect safeguarding the lifesupporting capacity of freshwater and of any associated ecosystem;77 and the extent to which it is feasible and dependable that any adverse effect on the lifesupporting capacity of freshwater resulting from the change would be avoided.78 As discussed in Section 4 of this AEE, a number of discharge activities are proposed with Area 6. Sections 5 and 6 describe how the potential effects of the discharge activities will 74 Policy 3.A.3(b), Waikato Regional Plan; For the purposes of this policy, functional need, effects management hierarchy and loss of value have the same meaning given by the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020. 75 Policy A4(1)(a) and (2)(a), Section 3, Waikato Regional Plan. 76 Policy A4(1)(b) and (2)(b), Section 3, Waikato Regional Plan. 77 Policy B7(1)(a), Section 3, Waikato Regional Plan. 78 Policy B7(1)(b), Section 3, Waikato Regional Plan.
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