66 Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project| Landscape and Visual Effects | ecological value as set out in the assessment of ecological effects72. The resulting stream diversion will follow the contour of the landform and create a more engineered linear appearance along the eastern edge of a new tailings storage facility. In natural character terms, TSF3 extends from a mixed vegetative backdrop through a more highly modified rural character which adjoins an existing tailings facility where man-made elements and influences are dominant. Potential adverse natural character effects are therefore primarily associated with modified streams and include substantial riparian enhancements along diverted streams and the margins of the Ruahorehore Stream to reinforce habitat opportunities as illustrated in Figure 20: Proposed Integrated Mitigation. Given this modified rural context and the extent of mitigation as proposed, such changes in natural character are not considered inappropriate and avoid any potential for ongoing or significant natural character effects. 10.5 Visual Effects 10.5.1 Viewing Audience Views of the extended tailings and storage facilities are more generally limited to adjoining rural areas and typically observe this aspect of the project in the context of the existing tailings storage facilities. In this context the available viewing audience comprises of rural dwellings and transient views along rural roads. TSF3 is located to the east of the existing tailings storage facility and predominantly visible along Trig Road North and Waihi Beach Road in middle distance views. Beyond approximately 1.5 kilometres, longer distance glimpse views may also occur along Trig Road from primary production lowlands to the south-east of Waihi and west of a local ridgeline traversed by Mathers Road. The more elevated backdrop which extends to the north and continues around the eastern perimeter of both existing facilities ensures that potential views are focused to the south from nearby rural properties. The nature of intervening tailings storage facilities also mean TSF3 is not visible from rural dwellings along Kingsley Road or Fisher Road beyond TSF1A. Over greater distances, TSF3 is not visible from any part of Waihi’s urban area given the nature of intervening landforms including Black Hill and intervening vegetation. The following four viewing areas have been identified from which four representative visual simulations have been prepared to assist with the assessment of visual effects (see Figure 19): T1: Waihi Beach Road (VS18) T2: Waihi Beach Road and SH2: Tauranga Road (VS19 and VS20) T3: Trig Road South (VS21) T4: Trig Road North (east) T1: Waihi Beach Road This viewing area obtains potential views of TSF3 from Waihi Beach Road including nine rural dwellings. Views from Waihi Beach Road occur over a length of approximately 2.1 km, however vegetation established throughout this adjoining area of landscape frequently limits potential opportunities to observe longer distance views, with TSF1A and TSF3 frequently obscured in available views. 72 Boffa Miskell (2022) Waihi North Project: Ecological Assessment.
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