U:\2021\BM210482_IBo_Waihi_North_Project\Documents\WNP_Freshwater_Report_May_2022\FINAL_Freshwater_Report_FOR DELIVERY_June 2022\FINAL DELIVERED 17 JUNE 2022\WAI-985-000-REP-LC-0007_Rev0_Freshwater_20220621_FINAL.docx 8.2.2 Wetlands along the proposed services trench route During the site walkover several potential features were observed for their potential status as wetlands under the NPS-FM. Details of these features are provided in Appendix 13. Almost all the features visited were either clearly not aquatic features or met the pasture exclusion of the NPS-FM definition of a natural inland wetland. 8.2.3 Favona wetland The services trench traverses close to the Favona wetland. The Favona wetland is located to the north of the water treatment plant and alongside the true right bank of the Ohinemuri River. As it is a prominent feature, here we provide a summary of the ecological values of the feature. By way of summary, the Favona wetland is modified by apparent historical clearance, earthworks and modification to drainage patterns. Parts of this wetland feature have been revegetated by OGNZL, notably with dense plantations of flax (Phormium tenax) planted in places. Large swards of Carex species (C. geminata, C. secta and C. virgata) cover much of the channel of the wide, shallow watercourse (which is most likely a naturally occurring channel), with local patches of Machaerina rubiginosa, Elaeocharis acuta and kiokio (Blechnum novaezelandiae) in boggy areas of shallower, standing water (these appear to be naturally established). Copses of young matai trees (approximately 1.5 – 2m tall) have also been planted around the northern and western margins of the feature, while a few large pines (Pinus radiata), and clumps of mixed native and exotic scrub, are present on surrounding hillslopes. The Favona wetland has significant ecological value, and the wetland meets the significance criteria of the WRPS although it is noted that the status is partly derived from the restoration of the wetland undertaken by OGNZL (and its antecedent companies) from what appears to have previously been an exotic, willow-dominated wetland9, to an indigenous species-dominated wetland. The willows would have been removed through a catchment flood management initiative in the 1980s and we understand that the area was subject to drill and fill around 2006. The Favona wetland meets the definition of a natural inland wetland of the NPS-FM and is subject to the provisions of the NESF. 9.0 Gladstone Open Pit 9.1 Introduction The proposed Gladstone Open Pit (GOP) will be situated predominantly over Gladstone Hill and part of Winner Hill. The Processing Plant is located immediately to the east of the pit and the Martha Pit conveyor is directly to the north. Land use comprises rolling farmland and pastures, with a small pine plantation to the south west. The Ohinemuri River is located approximately 300 m southwest of the GOP. The pit will disturb an area of approximately 23.2 ha, will be about 95 m deep (1005 mRL), 375 m wide and 625 m long. The pit will be mined using conventional open pit mining methods. 9 This assessment is based on a review of older satellite imagery.
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