5 OGNZ WUG mine: assessment of potential ecological effects Project 2034 2. Over the course of this assessment, OGNZL has provided more detailed assessments of the modelled blasting programme and profiles for the WUG, including contours and frequency histograms for vibrations expressed at the surface, and the areas of Archey’s frog habitat likely to be subject to vibration. In addition, there has been a range of work undertaken by OGNZL over the past year looking at the ability of Hochstetter’s and Archey’s frogs to survive in the presence of surface vibration generated by mining and roads. That work is summarised in a separate piece of research undertaken by Mr van Winkel8, which assesses the range of potential outcomes that may result from Archey’s and Hochstetter’s frog exposure to surface vibration events generated by the WUG. The range of possible outcomes for frogs if they are sensitive to blast-induced surface vibration beyond levels recorded elsewhere for Archey’s and Hochstetter’s frogs includes potential movement away from vibration areas, loss of breeding for several years, and behavioural responses some of which place frogs at greater risk of predation). It is not anticipated that there will be any mortality directly resulting from the activities. Overall, we regard the likelihood that Archey’s or Hochstetter’s frogs within the predicted WUG surface vibration footprint will die or be extirpated as a direct result of vibration to be very low; rather potential adverse effects (if any) may be expressed through more subtle changes to distribution, breeding and population structure, on a temporary (during mining) period. 8 Bioresearches, 2022. Vibration effects on amphibians (Leiopelmatid frogs). Report prepared for OGNZL by van Winkel, D, 23May 2022.
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