Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Landscape and Visual Effects | 43 Contributing factors Implementation35 Operation36 Residual37 Level of Effect38 Nature of Effect39 Level of Effect Nature of Effect Level of Effect Nature of Effect • Progressive replacement of pine with native vegetation following landform modification during mining activity • Reinstatement in pasture and native shrubs as part of the site rehabilitation Landscape Character Effects • No formal national / local landscape protection • Close association with existing mining activity and Processing Plant • Permanent removal of the upper slopes of Gladstone Hill and part of northern aspect of Winner Hill within broader sequence of rounded hills • Landform modification remains relatively well contained within existing forestry viewed from surrounding rural areas Mitigation • Maintain established buffer of pine trees during mining operation • Rehabilitate existing rural land use at completion Moderate Adverse Moderate – Low Adverse Low Adverse 7.4 Natural Character Effects In natural character terms, the GOP is located within a modified rural area where man-made elements / influences are dominant, comprising grazing, forestry and proximity to the existing Processing Plant. In this context, construction of the GOP will result in the removal of a small headwater gully containing an area of planted riparian vegetation carried out voluntarily by OGNZL with moderate ecological value as identified in the assessment of ecological effects40. Following pre-operation ecological mitigation (see Figure 20: Proposed Integrated Mitigation), substantial replacement planting and associated habitat opportunities will occur to offset any habitat loss alongside rehabilitation to reinstate surface water flows at completion. Such outcomes ensure any potential adverse natural character effects are not significant or inappropriate in this more modified rural context. 7.5 Visual Effects Despite the substantial modification to Gladstone Hill, the potential for visual effects associated with the GOP and subsequent tailings storage are relatively limited. During construction and operation, the southern slope of Winner Hill will remain intact, with the mine centred on Gladstone Hill and within the existing low point extending between Winner and Gladstone Hills. In this context, visual effects are well contained and primarily occur from adjoining areas which 40 Boffa Miskell (2022) Waihi North Project: Ecological Assessment.
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