U:\2021\BM210482_IBo_Waihi_North_Project\Documents\WNP_Freshwater_Report_May_2022\FINAL_Freshwater_Re port_FOR DELIVERY_June 2022\FINAL DELIVERED 17 JUNE 2022\WAI-985-000-REP-LC0007_Rev0_Freshwater_20220621_FINAL.docx Executive Summary The Waihi North Project comprises several components: • A new Wharekirauponga Underground Mine (WUG), located approximately 11 km north-west of the current Processing Plant under the Coromandel Forest Park; • Site infrastructure supporting the WUG will be located on farmland located at the end of Willows Road; • The mining of a new Gladstone Open Pit (GOP) near the existing Processing Plant; • A new tailings storage facility to the east of existing TSF1A, called TSF3; • New rock stockpile area (the Northern Rock Stack) located to the north of and adjacent to the existing TSF2; • Upgrading of the existing Processing Plant and Water Treatment Plant (WTP). • Reconsenting of the treated water discharge to the Ohinemuri River. This report describes the site context, ecological survey, assessment methods, ecological values and significance assessment, and the effects of the WNP on the wetland and freshwater ecological values. Assessments of wetland and freshwater ecological values were undertaken at Willows Road Farm, the Gladstone Open Pit, TSF3 and Northern Rock Stack locations. Existing long-term monitoring data was used to inform the assessment of water quality and ecological values of the Ohinemuri River. Wetland Ecological Values Wetlands were assessed against the definitions and policies of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and the National Environmental Regulations for Freshwater. A single wetland (Mataura wetland) was identified at Willows Road Farm, which although heavily utilised and grazed, was assessed as Moderate ecological values due to the presence of swamp maire. Other gully features at the Willows Road Farm site were excluded as natural wetlands. A rehabilitated Gladstone wetland was assessed as a natural wetland with Moderate ecological values downslope of the proposed Gladstone Open Pit. An assessment of hydrology of the wetland suggests that the wetland has been formed as a result of the formation of a farm track and associated culvert. A headwater gully draining into the Gladstone wetland did not meet the definition of a natural wetland. A former constructed silt pond within the footprint of the proposed northern rock stack was excluded as a natural wetland as it has been constructed by artificial means. Freshwater Ecological Values The freshwater ecological values across the WNP varied from low to high amongst the variety of stream types, and the history and current catchment land use.
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