B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects 75 Within the catchment that the WUG is located, there are six natural state waterbodies. ( . This includes the Wharekirauponga Stream, Adams Stream, Teawaotemutu Stream, Edmonds Stream, Thompson Stream and Waiharakeke Stream. As outl ined above, the underground mining methodology has been carefully developed to avoid dewatering impacts on the abovementioned outstanding natural waterbodies. This will ensure dewatering activities will not adversely affect the relationship between ground and surface water or result in the physical modification of these waterbodies within the CFP. There are no adverse effects on ecological values anticipated as a result of this. An unavoidable effect of dewatering within Area 1, however, is the removal of a small, warm natural spring located within the Wharekirauponga Stream catchment. The warm spring, and the length of the waterbody affected by its presence, is very small and its life supporting capacity is compromised by the attributes of the spring water itself. In terms of ecological values, Boffa (2022a) finds that there is minimal aquatic habitat present, and it is poor habitat for macroinvertebrates and fish, as it is shallow and smothered in heavy algae (refer to Figure 31). Figure 31: The warm spring The overall ecological value of this spring is assessed as Low, and therefore the loss of this spring is not considered to be an adverse effect on ecological values that is more than minor. Notwithstanding this conclusion, Boffa Miskell recommend offsetting the effects of the loss of this spring by implementing stock exclusion and habitat enhancement at several headwater spring and seepage gullies of Tributary 3 (Mataura Stream) within Area 2.
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