Site-specific Assessments of Environmental Effects

B-6 – Area 6 – Assessment of Environmental Effects 120 Discharge Receiving Environment Alternative Methods of Discharge a 1 in 10-ARI (24-hour) rain event. During events of this magnitude, overflow from the collection ponds can spill flows into the adjacent waterbodies with limited adverse environmental effect due to the higher flows and mixing capacity of the waterbodies. Larger ponds would therefore provide limited additional environmental benefit. Discharge of contaminants to land associated with the storage and use of overburden (including potentially acid forming material). Refer to Section 2 of this AEE. Consideration was given to a range of site designs and locations as part of the optioneering and site selection process undertaken by EGL. These options are presented in EGL (2022a). When technical, environmental,215 socio- economic216 and operational217 requirements were taken into consideration, the location (and method) for disposing of surplus material to land was identified as being the best practical option. Discharge of seepage from NRS into the ground. Refer to Section 2 of this AEE. Seepage from the NRS will be intercepted and diverted to the WTP for treatment prior to discharge into the Ohinemuri Stream (utilising existing resource consents). Notwithstanding this, residual seepage will still enter groundwater. In this instance, the alternative discharge option relates to the volume of seepage. Alternative designs could also have provided for a lower rate of seepage bypassing the subsurface drainage system. This would result in greater construction costs with limited environmental benefit (as demonstrated by the AEE in Section [AEE]. Discharge of contaminants to air. Refer to Section 2.18 of this AEE. The recommended methods are those considered to be most appropriate considering 215 Including consideration of terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, groundwater, surface water, significant natural areas, dust and noise. 216 Including consideration of social impact. 217 Including consideration of future ore resource, geotechnical matters, geochemical matters, constructability, operability, storage capacity and expansion potential, and project schedule.

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