Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Landscape and Visual Effects | 63 The final surface of the embankment will predominantly be re-established in pasture and equally support native wetland species on the rehabilitated tailings pond. 10.3 Landscape Effects 10.3.1 Landform The proposed development of TSF3 will permanently modify an existing area of undulating to flat landform along the eastern toe of the existing tailings storage facilities and below a larger more elevated ridge which rises to the north and east. The final crest will follow a sinuous form into the existing tailings storage facilities and ties into an existing undulating spur to the east. During construction, this will extend a raw worked appearance below the adjoining more elevated backdrop which comprises TSF1A and the existing more elevated landform to the north and east. Prior to implementation, topsoil and rock is proposed to be removed from within the footprint of TSF3. During operation, the creation of this additional TSF will gradually continue along the toe of an existing elevated backdrop to the north. This will resemble the existing rounded and flattened terraced landform already apparent in this area. Existing streams which form tributaries to Ruahorehore Stream will be diverted along the eastern toe of the TSF3 embankment. A temporary collection pond formed along the base of the embankment will capture runoff from the construction area. The inner edge of the embankment will create a basin within which tailings will be contained. At completion, the proposed TSF3 will remain relatively well enclosed against the more elevated areas of landform to the north and east. This will limit the extent to which any landform modification remains apparent in the long term. All exposed areas will be re-established in pasture to resemble the adjoining tailings storage embankments and will integrate any disturbance of the landform observed in this area within the larger vegetated backdrop. 10.3.2 Vegetation During construction of TSF3, approximately 8.3 ha. of vegetation will be removed within SNA T13UP166 or disturbed by construction of an uphill diversion drain and subsequent inundation of tailings created against the adjoining landform. Proposed mitigation has been developed to ensure any terrestrial and riparian planting required to be removed during construction will be replaced alongside opportunities to increase connectivity between established areas of vegetation. Outside of the identified SNA, vegetation proposed to be removed is predominantly associated with a working rural character comprising pasture and exotic shelter belts. Once established, the landcover in this area will partially be re-established with native shrubs implemented on the completed landform supporting tailings storage and pasture on stockpile areas and associated rock embankments. Internal wetland areas will also establish along the margins of the resulting tailings ponds. 10.3.3 Landscape Character In landscape character terms, the proposed TSF will extend along a transition from the foothills of the Coromandel Range and a larger productive rural floodplain to the south-east. They also adjoin existing mining activity which characterises part of the transition between these areas of landscape.
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