66 Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Terrestrial Ecology Values and Effects of the WUG | 22 June 2022 We consider that the magnitude of effects of predator influx is Negligible (relative to baseline conditions) and the ecological value of fauna groups within Coromandel Forest Park are Very Low – Very High43. Therefore, the level of effect of a pest influx is assessed as Low – Very Low. 6.5 Coromandel Forest Park: Potential Long-term Effects 6.5.1 Approach This section describes potential effects associated with the WNP where there is a high level of uncertainty about the effect itself and / or the likelihood of the effect being realised, for instance: • Responses of fauna (or specific animal groups) to the activity where there is insufficient literature / information to make a clear assessment of risk to fauna. • Where the potential effect is very high, and over a large scale, but the risk of that effect occurring is very low because of management interventions (i.e. spread of kauri dieback, dewatering). 6.5.2 Episodic Vibration from Underground Blasting Effects on Fauna Introduction For this Project, it is expected that underground blasting may generate perceptible levels of vibration on the surface. Vibration modelling carried out by Helig & Partners (2022) indicates that blasting associated with the development of the Access Decline (i.e. the tunnel required to access the orebody originating in Willows Road Farm, Years 1-4) will not produce vibration levels above 2 mm/s north of Willows Road Farm (i.e. under Coromandel Forest Park). As such, the key period for potential impacts from blasting vibration is during the mining operation (Years 5 – 14) under the Wharekirauponga area of Coromandel Forest Park. Variable mining methods have been proposed as a method of minimising vibration related impacts on 43 Bats were assessed as having Very Low ecological value, as they have not been detected in the forest; lizard, frog and bird communities were assessed as having High ecological value. Effects management Proposed management to reduce predator density around shaft sites and camp sites include: • Maintaining strict hygiene protocols and containing food waste to ensure no additional pests are introduced and that those in the surrounding area are not provided with additional food sources. • Intensive, long-term pest control within 314 ha of the modelled vibration footprint intended to deliver substantial and long-term benefits for Archey’s frogs and other fauna. This is detailed in Sections 7.1 and 7.5.3, and the Pest Animal Management Plan.
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