Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Terrestrial Ecology Values and Effects of the WUG | 22 June 2022 65 6.4.6 Pest Influx Impacts on Fauna Increased human activity in Coromandel Forest Park during vent construction may result in heightened predator activity around disturbed sites (i.e. shaft sites where vegetation has been cleared) and areas with human activity (i.e. camps). The scale of this increase is unknown as predator dynamics in a forest environment vary with the level of pest control, availability of other food sources (e.g. berries and seeds), and competition. The duration of surface vent shaft construction is approximately 1 month, and although the density of predators within the wider area may not increase, there may be a local increase in activity around disturbed areas. Native fauna are particularly at risk during breeding periods (e.g. birds nesting or Archey’s frogs brooding eggs). We consider that any increase in predator activity around disturbed areas would be, at most, a minor and temporary shift from baseline predator activity. Rodents and wasps (Vespula spp.) are a hazard for work crews around camp and work sites, and so for safety reasons, some small-scale control of both is already in place. Wasps are also significant predators in forest environments with the potential to affect native foodwebs, change bird behaviour and predate invertebrate species. As part of the effects management for the project, we recommend both predator and wasp control, these are detailed in the Wharekirauponga Pest Animal Management Plan (Boffa Miskell 2022c). The potential effect of human activity attracting local predators to work areas during the construction period can be minimised using existing predator control methods (i.e. hygiene measures and traps / baits). Effects management Proposed management actions to minimise potential impacts from the ventilation raise exhaust include: • Improved emission controls in comparison with previously measured emissions from an existing mine vent shaft (i.e. greater controls on dust and higher exhaust emission standards for diesel-fired mining equipment and trucks). This measure is included in the current design. • Dampen exposed underground surfaces. • Periodic removal of seedlings likely to grow to 8 m or higher and may interfere with exhaust dispersal. This would prevent fauna occupying large trees near the vent stack, and potentially being exposed to higher particulate emissions.
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