Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Terrestrial Ecology Values and Effects of the WUG | 22 June 2022 69 Invertebrate Populations The potential response of invertebrates to vibrations is described in Section 6.2.2. The magnitude of effect of vibrations generated by blasting on invertebrates within the Project site and surrounding area is Low. This assessment takes into account the short duration and infrequency of the blasts and that invertebrates are typically resilient to disturbance. The ecological value of the invertebrate communities is High and the level of effect of vibration is Low. Frog Populations The potential response of native frogs to blast vibrations is outlined in Section 6.2.3 and Appendix 4. We consider that there is insufficient information to fully assess the potential impact of vibrations greater than 2 mm/s (the level at which Archey’s and Hochstetter’s frogs are known persist). Blast vibrations greater than 2 mm/s are predicted to affect around 314 ha of the Wharekirauponga area. Based on Dr Lloyd’s population estimates, that area may support around 290,000 Archey’s frogs (between 0.53 % and 0.58 % of total estimated Coromandel population (Lloyd, 2022). We consider that the vibration associated with blasting will have a Low, but uncertain magnitude of effect on frogs in Coromandel Forest Park. Frogs have a High ecological value and will experience a Low, but uncertain level of effect. We consider that there may be a potential residual effect of vibrations on frogs, which will be monitored as part of a large scale monitoring programme. Lizard Populations The potential response of native lizards to blast vibrations is outlined in Section 6.2.4 The magnitude of effect of blast vibrations on lizards is Low. This assessment takes into account the short duration and infrequency of the blasts and the apparently very low density of lizards in the Project Area (i.e. the number of lizards likely to be affected is low). The ecological value of the lizard communities is High and the level of effect of vibration is Low. Bat Populations Vibration effects on bats are poorly studied, internationally and in New Zealand. Bats are highly mobile, and we consider that vibrations will be barely perceptible in an arboreal nest. The magnitude of effect of blast vibrations on bats is Negligible given the apparently low density (if not absence) of bats within in the Project site. The ecological value of the bat communities is Low and the level of effect of vibrations is Very Low. Bird Populations New Zealand forest bird species are highly mobile, and for species recorded in Wharekirauponga catchment previously, all nest in trees. Birds are most sensitive during the nesting season (from laying to fledging), but it is expected that vibrations will be barely perceptible in an arboreal nest. Natural disturbance (e.g. high winds) are more likely to impact nesting success. The magnitude of effect of blast vibrations on birds is assessed as Negligible. The ecological value of the bird communities is High and the level of effect of noise is Very Low.
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