Waihi North Project: Assessment of Terrestrial Ecological Values & Effects 62138 WNP AEE 66 Potential construction and operations related noise and vibrations or dust effects on adjacent vegetation and habitats are considered to be low level effects, given the relatively low ecological values, particularly fauna habitats, and the temporary nature of construction activities. Once construction of TSF3 has been completed, noise is expected to be negligible. 6.3.3 Summary The permanent removal of 8.3 ha of seral tree fern, rewarewa-dominant vegetation and bare ground from the 57 ha southern fragment of SNA 166, including some (unknown number of) kānuka trees, one kauri and one pōhutukawa), would reduce the SNA 166 southern fragment to 82% of the current extent. The removal would not result in the loss of the key elements of botanical or known fauna value of the wider SNA 166. Rather, it would represent a minor shift away from current conditions given that all of these species occur elsewhere in SNA 166, and two of the species that would be affected are represented by relic individuals. It would not exacerbate the edge effects by producing a narrower area, although it would relocate any edge effects to the newly located edge. The newly created edge would likely become more susceptible to weed invasion, however this could easily be managed through buffer planting and weed management. No effects would be anticipated on the current pine wilding spread. The new edges are not a significant issue (and can be mitigated) given the early seral nature of most of the feature. Therefore, considered as a whole, the proposed construction of TSF3 would represent a moderate magnitude effect on moderate value SNA, and results in an overall moderate level of effect. This level of effect considers that the fauna protected by the Wildlife Act 1953 is managed such that mortality and harm is avoided through time of works / clearance and salvage. 6.3.4 Recommendations While the potentially affected fauna are nationally and locally common species with low ecological value (Roper-Lindsay et al. 2018), such species have legal protection under the Wildlife Act 1953 and measures should be undertaken to avoid and minimise adverse effects on them. Such measures should include careful timing of vegetation removal to avoid the main bird breeding season, and implementation of a lizard management plan that details capture, habitat enhancement and relocation of native lizards that are potentially present. The loss of 8.3 ha of vegetation is a moderate level of effect and under the EIANZ (2018) guidance requires mitigation (Roper-Lindsay et al. 2018). The SNA would be reduced in size and the vegetation removal would represent a net biodiversity loss to an area identified as significant. OGLNZ have indicated their desire to ensure there is a net biodiversity gain as a result of the project and therefore, we recommend that this loss be offset, over and above other mitigation actions (fauna, edge buffer planting). As a minimum, offset calculations should be based on the 8.3 ha of SNA 166 proposed for removal for the TSF3 component of the project. 6.4 AIR QUALITY EFFECTS ON FLORA AND FAUNA Potential discharges to air from the WNP include dust from surface sources, by-products of combustion from vehicles, and dust from excavation and the ongoing operation of the mine. Full details of activities and predicted air discharges are provided in the Assessment of Effects of Discharges to Air report (‘Air Assessment’, Beca, 2022). The main area of concern for ecological values is the generation of dust from both construction activities and the ongoing mine operation. Excessive dust can interfere with plant photosynthesis, affecting both growth and food sources for fauna, and may affect fauna habitat, if present in high enough quantities.
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