OceanaGold | Waihi North Project | Recreation and tourism assessment 35 5 Ohinemuri River Treated Wastewater Discharge This report section reviews the effects of the treated water discharge from the OGNZL Processing Plant into the Ohinemuri River and the effects of the two diffusers in the bed of the River. The existing discharge permit provides adequate capacity for the Waihi North Project; however, the project life will extend beyond the 13 October 2034 expiry date of the treated water discharge consent. It is therefore proposed to renew the WTP discharge consent for a 35-year term to cover the full duration of the Waihi North Project including an appropriate closure period. The discharge permit includes two discharge outfall diffusers located within the bed of the Ohinemuri River, and the increased discharge quantity requires the duplication of these structures. No changes to the conditions of the WTP discharge consent is required to accommodate the Waihi North Project. 5.1 Recreation values 5.1.1 Angling The Auckland/Waikato Sports Fish & Game Management Plan 2021-2023 (Auckland/Waikato Fish & Game 2021) describes the Ohinemuri River as the most popular angling river in the Hauraki/Coromandel area, attracting “many anglers from throughout the region”, and: A medium sized regionally important river for sports fishing that had significant declines in water quality. High water temperature, a historic migration barrier and low flows presumably caused by water extraction continue to impact the Ohinemuri. Significant planting and fencing will be required to enhance the trout population to the mainstem. A large portion of the upper river is obstructed by a historic water abstraction dam. Removing or bypassing the dam could improve access to summer habitat. The dam referenced is located immediately downstream of the Hauraki District Council wastewater treatment plant immediately west of Waihi. The Management Plan defines the River as regionally significant and of a rural character. Fish & Game’s online fishing locations and access data describes the River’s angling amenity in more detail:22 The Ohinemuri is one of the most popular rivers in the region with excellent access and a good population of both rainbow and brown trout. The Ohinemuri arises from numerous small streams in the Waihi basin. Many of these streams hold trout and are fished by local anglers (especially the Ruahorehore, Waimata, Walmsely and Mataura) but these are very small waterways often less than two metres wide and of limited interest to most anglers. The largest of these streams is the Waimata with access from Ford Road or Crean Road. An esplanade reserve extends from Ford Road to the Ohinemuri confluence. Near Waihi, the Ohinemuri offers long runs with the occasional large, stable pool. During summer, trout can easily be spotted providing good dry fly or spin fishing. Access to the Ohinemuri River at Waihi can be obtained from Victoria Street, State Highway 2 (to Tauranga), Baxter Road, Golden Valley Road, and State Highway 25 (to Whangamata). A 20-metre wide esplanade reserve, providing public access, extends outwards from both sides of the river. 22 https://fishandgame.org.nz/auckland/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/fishing-locations-and-access/trout-fishingcoromandel-ranges/ohinemuri-river-system/
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