Resource Consent Castle Hill Applications and Assessment Wind Farm of Environmental Effects August 2011

SUMMARY Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION...... 1 2 RESOURCE CONSENT REQUIREMENTS...... 2 3 ABOUT GENESIS ENERGY AND THE ELECTRICITY INDUSTRY...... 4

3.1 ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN NEW ZEALAND ...... 4 4 THE CASTLE HILL WIND FARM PROJECT...... 5

4.1 SITE SELECTION AND PROJECT DESIGN...... 5 4.2 PROJECT COMPONENTS ...... 6 4.2.1 Turbines ...... 6 4.2.2 Electrical Balance of Plant...... 9 4.2.3 Internal Roads ...... 10 4.2.4 External Roads ...... 11 4.2.5 Earthworks and Excess Fill...... 13 4.2.6 Temporary Construction Infrastructure...... 13 4.2.7 Permanent Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Facilities...... 14 4.3 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMME...... 15 4.3.1 Construction Activities ...... 15 4.3.2 Construction programme ...... 16 5 CONSULTATION...... 17 6 ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS...... 18

6.1 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ...... 19 6.1.1 Socio-Economic Effects ...... 19 6.1.2 Effects on Recreation and Tourism Activities ...... 20 6.1.3 Landscape and Visual Effects...... 20 6.1.4 Noise Effects...... 21 6.1.5 Traffic Effects ...... 21 6.1.6 Potential Effects on Water Resources ...... 22 6.1.7 Ecological Effects...... 23 6.1.8 Shadow Flicker and Blade Glint Effects...... 24 6.1.9 Cultural Effects...... 24 6.1.10 Effects on Archaeology and Heritage...... 24 6.1.11 Effects on Radio-communication and Telecommunication Services ...... 25 6.1.12 Aviation Effects...... 25 6.1.13 Electric and Magnetic Fields Effects...... 26 7 MONITORING, MITIGATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT...... 27 8 CONCLUSION...... 32 APPENDIX 1: FIGURES...... 33 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Tables Table 1: Summary of resource consents required from MWRC Table 2: Summary of resource consents required from GWRC Table 3: Summary of resource consents required from TDC Table 4: Summary of resource consents required from MDC Table 5: Turbine Layouts Table 6: Internal Road Parameters Table 7: Potential Environmental Effects and Environment Mitigation, Monitoring and Management Table 8: Typical Operations and Maintenance Activities, Effects and Management

Figures Figure 1: CHWF Location Figure 2: CHWF Layout Overview Figure 3a to 3d: CHWF Component Overview Figure 4: Typical Wind Turbine Design Figure 5: Relationship between numbers of medium and large turbines in the mixed turbine configuration Figure 6: External Roads Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

1 Introduction

Genesis Power Limited (trading as “GGenesis Energy”) is proposing to establish and operate the Castle Hill Wind Farm (“CCHWF”) on rural land in northern Wairarapa. The CHWF involves up to 286 wind turbines with a potential nominal capacity of up to 860MW of renewable electricity generation. The electricity produced is potentially equivalent to that consumed each year by up to 370,0001 average New Zealand households.

Approval for the project is required under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and the relevant councils’ Regional and District Plans.

Resource consent applications and an Assessment of Environmental Effects (“AAEE”) have been submitted to: x Greater Wellington Regional Council (“GGWRC”) x Manawatu – Wanganui Regional Council (“MMWRC”) x Masterton District Council (“MMDC”) x Tararua District Council (“TTDC”)

This document has been prepared to provide a summary of the Castle Hill Wind Farm project, the resource consent applications and the AEE.

The CHWF site covers some 30,000ha and is located approximately 20 km northeast of Masterton, 20km east of Eketahuna and Pahiatua and 15km west of the Wairarapa Coast north of Castlepoint (FFigure 1, Appendix 1). The closest settlements are Tiraumea, Alfredton, Bideford, Tinui, Pongaroa, Makuri and Mauriceville.

The CHWF site is characterised by undulating hills of predominantly pastoral grass, with grazing by sheep and cattle. Stands of native vegetation are located throughout the site, particularly in gullies, with several small forestry blocks scattered across the site. The topography is varied, with elevation ranging from 200m to 500m above sea level.

There are six small rural settlements in or around the CHWF including Tinui, Pongaroa, Alfredton, Makuri, Tiraumea and Bideford. These six settlements had a combined population in 2006 of around 500 people in 110 households2. Masterton (population 18,000), Pahiatua (population 2,600) and Eketahuna (population 460) are the larger townships located within 30kms of the CHWF site.

Full details of the environmental setting of the CHWF is provided in Volume 1, Section 3 of the AEE.

1 Calculated on 3,000 GWh divided by the average annual residential consumer consumption of 8,100 kWh in 2010 (Concept Consulting, 2011). 2 Statistics NZ 2006 Census. 1 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

2 Resource Consent Requirements

Genesis Energy is seeking all necessary resource consents required from the MWRC, GWRC, TDC and MDC, for the construction, operation, maintenance, replacement and refurbishment of the CHWF and associated infrastructure. Tables 1 to 4 summarise the resource consents sought from each council.

Table 1: Summary of resource consents required from MWRC

Consent Type Activity Activity Status Land disturbance, earthworks and Land use Discretionary vegetation clearance Upgrade of existing External roads and Land use Discretionary construction of new roads Land use Work in streambeds (structures) Discretionary Damming and diversion of surface water Water permit Discretionary and groundwater Water permit Water take and use Discretionary Discharge Disposal of excess fill to land Discretionary permit Discharge Discharge contaminants to air Discretionary permit Discharge Discharge stormwater to land and water Discretionary permit Discharge Discharge stormwater and wash water to Discretionary permit land

Table 2: Summary of resource consents required from GWRC

Consent Type Activity Activity Status Land disturbance, earthworks and Restricted Land use vegetation clearance discretionary Upgrade of existing External roads and Restricted Land use construction of new roads discretionary Land use Work in streambeds (structures) Discretionary Land use Work in streambeds (reclamation) Discretionary Damming and diversion of surface water Water permit Discretionary and groundwater Water permit Water take and use Discretionary Discharge Disposal of excess fill to land Discretionary permit Discharge Discharge contaminants to air Discretionary permit Discharge Discharge stormwater to land and water Discretionary permit Discharge Discharge stormwater and wash water to Discretionary permit land

2 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Table 3: Summary of resource consents required from TDC

Consent Type Activity Activity Status Construction, operation, maintenance, Land use replacement and refurbishment of a wind Discretionary farm and associated structures*

* Genesis Energy was granted resource consent RM090034 in March 2009 for up to eight monitoring masts within the CHWF site, and intends to relinquish this consent if these applications are granted.

Table 4: Summary of resource consents required from MDC

Consent Type Activity Activity Status Construction, operation, maintenance, Land use replacement and refurbishment of a wind Discretionary farm and associated structures.*

* Genesis Energy was granted resource consent 20090407 in April 2009 for up to eight monitoring masts within the CHWF site and intends to relinquish this consent if these applications are granted.

Genesis Energy is in discussion with experienced third party developers in respect to the transmission line required to connect the CHWF to the national grid (“EExternal Transmission Line”). RMA approvals for the External Transmission Line are not part of this application and will be sought separately from these resource consent applications.

Full details of the resource consent applications are provided in the resource consent application forms and in Section 8 of the AEE, both contained in Volume 1 of the resource consent application.

3 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

3 About Genesis Energy and the Electricity Industry

Genesis Energy has a diverse portfolio of renewable and thermal electricity generation assets including hydro, thermal and wind generation plants, and is one of the largest electricity generators in the country, supplying an average of approximately 20% of electricity generation per year over the last five years.

Genesis Energy has generation assets with a combined nominal generation capacity of approximately 2,140MW. The generation assets currently comprise:

ƒ The Huntly Power Station, which is the largest thermal generation asset base in New Zealand, incorporating four coal fired units, an open cycle gas Turbine and a combined cycle gas Turbine unit.

ƒ Three hydro generation schemes, being the Tongariro Power Scheme (central North Island), Waikaremoana Hydro Scheme (Hawke’s Bay), and Tekapo A and B Hydro Stations (Canterbury).

ƒ The Hau Nui Wind Farm in southern Wairarapa.

Genesis Energy generates electricity for sale to the wholesale market and to meet the needs of its retail customers. Genesis Energy holds the largest share of the retail market at 43% (MED, 2011), and has a retail customer base of approximately 655,000 electricity and gas customers. Genesis Energy is also an equity partner in the Kupe joint venture, which owns the Kupe Gas Project in Taranaki.

3.1 Electricity Supply and Demand in New Zealand

The provision of a secure and reliable electricity supply to New Zealanders is a constant challenge being faced by the electricity generation industry as a whole. Overall, there is a need for additional generation in New Zealand and there is a strong direction from central Government to provide more electricity generation from renewable sources. Development of wind generation options will contribute to a secure electricity supply through diversification of generation technology and plant, and the CHWF will provide a material contribution to meeting projected demand growth.

Full details of the Genesis Energy and the Electricity Industry is provided in Volume 1, Section 2 of the AEE.

4 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

4 The Castle Hill Wind Farm Project

4.1 Site Selection and Project Design

Genesis Energy has used both traditional methods and advanced modelling techniques to identify potential wind farms sites around New Zealand, and as a result identified the area to the east of Pahiatua and Eketahuna as being suitable for wind farm development.

In selecting any site for further investigation and for development of a wind farm, several technical matters need to be considered. While every potential location for a wind farm has its unique features, it is generally accepted that a site which has the following general attributes will be suitable for wind generation at a commercial scale:

ƒ Availability of a good wind resource (typically an average wind speed greater than 8 m/s, preferably with low turbulence)

ƒ Availability of land suitable for the construction of turbines

ƒ Distant from large population centres

ƒ Practical access for transporting equipment and materials to the site

ƒ Ability to connect to the electricity transmission lines

ƒ Avoids sensitive environmental areas such as outstanding natural features and landscapes, and protected areas

Genesis Energy considered each of these when selecting the CHWF site.

The CHWF site has an excellent wind resource, in combination with suitable topography for access and construction purposes, location in a remote area that is relative sparsely populated, ability to connect to transmission lines. These features and the relative scarcity of environmentally sensitive sites within, or in close proximity to the site, means that the CHWF site provides an appropriate opportunity for development of a wind farm.

The design of the CHWF project followed an iterative process. During the development process, findings from environmental and engineering assessments, and feedback from stakeholders and the wider community, have been considered. As a result, incremental refinements to project design have been made to ensure that the locations of project components are appropriate and that adverse effects are appropriately avoided, remedied or mitigated.

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4.2 Project Components

The following sections provide the details of the main project components of the CHWF. The CHWF layout overview is shown in Figure 2 and the project components are shown in Figures 3a to 3d, Appendix 1.

4.2.1 Turbines

While a range of different turbine models would be suitable for the CHWF, the turbine selected will comprise several main components as described below and shown in Figure 4 below:

Tower: The supporting structure of the turbine will be a steel or concrete tower fitted with an internal ladder or lift. The dimensions will be dependent on the turbine model selected.

If a steel tower design is selected, there is expected to be up to five sections to transport and assemble on site. Should concrete towers be used, the towers are likely to consist of approximately 16 sections which may be prefabricated and transported to site in sections or fabricated On-site.

Foundation: The tower will be installed on a reinforced concrete foundation. The base of such a foundation will be below ground level. The foundation depth and diameter will be dependent on the turbine type and the specific characteristics of the site at which the turbine is to be installed, with each foundation pour expected to require several hundred cubic meters of concrete. The foundation surface will be backfilled with soil.

Rotor: The rotor consists of three turbine blades and a hub and it is attached to the shaft which drives the generator in the nacelle. The blades are generally constructed of fiberglass and the hub generally of steel. Motors within the nacelle are used to turn the rotor to face into the wind and to adjust the pitch of the turbine blades to maximise energy production.

Nacelle: The nacelle is the housing mounted on top of the tower that generally encloses a gearbox, generator, transformer, motors, brakes, electronic components, wiring and hydraulic and lubricating oil systems and to which the rotor is attached. The nacelle will be constructed of steel and fibreglass. Weather monitoring equipment located on the top of the nacelle will provide data on wind speed and direction for the automatic operation of the turbine.

Transformer: Turbine transformers are required to transform turbine generator voltage up to a suitable voltage for reticulation and may be located inside the turbine nacelle, tower base or adjacent to the turbine on separate foundations.

6 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Blade

Hub Nacelle

Rotor Diameter

Tower Height

Hub Height

Tip Tower Height Turbine Kiosk/transformer

Turbine Foundation

Figure 4: Typical Wind Turbine Design

Turbine Corridor

Genesis Energy anticipates that a number of turbine models will be commercially available at the time of tendering for the CHWF. In order to allow for flexibility in turbine placement (for environmental, constructability, and commercial reasons), Genesis Energy is seeking resource consent for a turbine corridor enabling a range of turbines to be considered. The turbine corridor covers an area of 3,144ha and incorporates all areas within the CHWF site that have been identified for turbine placement. The turbine corridor is shown in Figure 2 and 3a to 3d, Appendix 1.

Turbine Sizes

Genesis Energy has undertaken an assessment of available turbines and potential suppliers to identify a range of turbines suitable for installation at the CHWF. Two turbine sizes encompass the range of sizes available:

ƒ Medium turbines have a maximum tip height of 135m

ƒ Large turbines have a maximum tip height greater than 135m but not more than 155m

7 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Turbine Configurations

The size range of suitable turbines has an effect on the number of turbines which can be installed. As the rotor diameter of the turbines increases, the space required between the turbines also increases to avoid energy loss from wake and other effects. This means the optimal quantity and positioning of turbines changes from one turbine model to the next.

Three different turbine configurations have been established to limit the quantity of turbines used.

ƒ Medium turbine configurations - comprises only medium turbines up to a maximum quantity of 286 turbines

ƒ Large turbine configurations - comprises only large turbines up to a maximum quantity of 242 turbines

ƒ Mixed turbine configurations - comprises a mixture of medium and large turbines with the maximum quantity of turbines of each size determined according to the graph shown in Figure 5. This mixture of Medium and Large Turbines is described by the following equation:

Where NM is the number of medium turbines and NL is the number of large turbines in the mixed turbine configuration.

RelationshipBetweenMediumandLargeTurbineNumbers 300

250

200 Turbines  150 Large  of  Number 100

50

0 050100150200250300350

NumberofMediumTurbines

Figure 5: Relationship between numbers of medium and large turbines in the mixed turbine configuration.

8 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

The mixed turbine configuration has been included as there is a potential for different types of turbines to be used within the turbine corridor due to the variance in the wind resource across the CHWF site. In addition, there may be different turbines available for supply at different stages of development. However, the variation between turbines will be minimised where practicable, for example, while the size may differ, very large turbines will not be utilised next to much smaller turbines. To minimise visual differences, the turbines will be off-white in colour and all will have 3 blades. Tubular (not lattice) towers will be used.

Turbine Layouts

Four indicative turbine layouts (two medium turbine layouts and two large turbine layouts) have been developed to represent the range of possible turbine sizes that could be developed at the CHWF site and to allow environmental assessment where a specific layout is required. The layouts are based on different rotor diameter sizes to demonstrate the different turbine spacing that could occur within the turbine corridor. The parameters of the four indicative layouts are provided in Table 5 below.

Table 5: Turbine Layouts

Turbine layout name 80M 90M 100L 110L Indicative rotor diameter (m) 80 90 100 110 (may vary up or down) Indicative hub height (m) 90 90 100 100 (may vary up or down) Number of turbines 286 262 242 186

Maximum tip height (m) 135 135 155 155

4.2.2 Electrical Balance of Plant

The Electrical Balance of Plant (““EBoP”) is comprised of the internal electrical reticulation for the wind farm and associated electrical collection, transformer, switching, protection, and control systems and equipment. Turbines will be connected together with 33kV underground cables, typically buried beneath internal roads. A combination of 33kV overhead lines and underground cables will be used to connect these circuits to centrally located substations.

Two substations are proposed for the CHWF. A main substation will be located in the southern region of the wind farm, connecting approximately two thirds of the turbine circuits directly. A satellite substation will be located in the northern region of the wind farm which will collect output from the turbine groups in this area. The main and satellite substations will be connected together by a 220kV overhead line (““Internal Transmission Line”).

9 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

The combined output from both substations will be exported to the national grid via an External Transmission Line. The External Transmission Line may be connected to the CHWF in one of two ways; connected directly to the main substation or alternatively, connected to a switching station located approximately mid-way along the Internal Transmission Line.

There are two options for the EBoP design. The difference in the designs relates to the two location options for the main substation. The two EBoP design options are shown inF igures 3a to 3d, Appendix 1.

Main components of the EBoP are described as follows:

ƒ Main substation (two options proposed)

ƒ Satellite substation

ƒ 33kV overhead lines (double and single circuit)

ƒ 33kV underground cables (double and single circuit)

ƒ Internal Transmission Line

ƒ Optional switching station and Internal Transmission Line deviation

ƒ Electrical switchgear huts

ƒ Other components (e.g. earthing / communications).

4.2.3 Internal Roads

Internal roads are required to enable the movement of wind farm components, construction materials, equipment and personnel as well as ongoing operational traffic within the site. Internal roads have been designed for each of the four indicative turbine layouts to provide access to turbine locations. Further internal roads have been designed to give access to the substations, optional switching station and the Internal Transmission Line towers. The width and length of these internal roads are given in Table 6. The internal roads will utilise existing farm roads where possible.

To enable passing, lay-bys will be included approximately every 1km along the internal roads where roads are longer than 1km in length.

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Table 6: Internal Road Parameters

Internal Road Width of Internal Road Length of Internal Road (km) Medium turbine access 6m pavement + 1m for 161 drainage Large turbine access 7m pavement + 1m for 157 drainage Main substation access 6m pavement + 1m for 1.6 drainage Satellite substation access 6m pavement + 1m for 0.2 drainage Switching station access 6m pavement + 1m for 2.1 drainage Internal Transmission Line 3m width + 1m for drainage 49 tower access

4.2.4 External Roads

External roads are the public roads that provide access for construction and operational traffic from their origin (e.g. port, quarries, equipment suppliers) to the CHWF. Turbines and other imported equipment are likely to be transported from the Port of Napier. This is the closest suitable port to the CHWF site and is connected to the site by a major arterial route (State Highway 50(A) and then State Highway 2). Other ports being considered are Centre Port and Port Taranaki. The final selection of the delivery port will be confirmed through discussions with the ports prior to final design.

Over Weight/ Over Dimension Route

Many of the wind farm components will need to be delivered to the CHWF site as over- dimension (for example, the wind turbine rotor blades) or over-weight (for example, transformers) loads in terms of the normal carrying capacity of the road network. The preferred over weight/ over dimension vehicle route (OW/OD) route is shown in Figure 6, Appendix 1 and detailed below:

ƒ From the Port of Napier, the route heads south along SH50A/SH2 for approximately 196km to Pahiatua. SH2 passes through various townships within which some intersections will likely require some minor modification or temporary removal of street furniture coupled with appropriate traffic management measures either for reasons of geometry or safety. Townships include Napier, Hastings, Waipukurau, Dannevirke, Norsewood, Woodville and Pahiatua.

ƒ Turning east from Pahiatua, the route takes the Kaitawa Road leading onto Mangaone Valley Road to the Alfredton Road intersection. Alternatively the route continues on SH2 turning east into Hamua Rongomai Road connecting with Mangaone Valley Road and then onto Alfredton Road intersection. The route then travels east along Alfredton Road to connect with Route 52 at Alfredton.

11 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

ƒ From Alfredton the OW/OD route either heads north on Route 52 to access Clusters A, B and C via Waitawhiti Road, Puketawa Road, Rakaunui Road, Waihoki Valley Road and Rimu Road or follows Castle Hill Road south-east to access Clusters D, E, F and G via Ngarata Road, Castle Hill Road, Alfredton-Tinui Road and/or Manawa Road. The OW/OD route also uses small sections of Pahiatua Road and Maringi Road for access to some turbine groups.

Some upgrading works may be required on the road sections between the port and Alfredton, however the resource consent requirements for the works are likely to be relatively minor and are not included in the CHWF resource consent application. Where resource consents or permits are required for the works on these roads, these will be sought through specific consent applications with the relevant authorities (NZTA, District Councils and Regional Councils) for the individual works required.

Works required for roads forming the OW/OD route between Alfredton and the site access points are included in the CHWF resource consent application. Upgrade work includes:

ƒ Reconstruction, strengthening or replacement of some short-span bridges

ƒ Road straightening and widening

ƒ Road smoothing involving excavation or filling of the existing road foundation to remove dips and humps

ƒ Road pavement reconstruction

Two bridges on Maringi Road, one bridge on Daggs Road and one bridge on Route 52 are not located on the OW/OD route but are included in the resource consent application for the CHWF.

Additional Construction Traffic Routes

Other construction traffic (non-OW/OD vehicles) will utilise the OW/OD route and as well as other local public roads within the vicinity of the site including (but are not limited to) Pa Valley Road, Whangaehu Valley Road, Daggs Road, Maringi Road, Te Ore-Ore Bideford Road, Glendonald Road, Masterton Castlepoint Road, and Tinui Valley Road. This traffic could consist of trucks, bulldozers, excavators, loaders, vans and cars used for the development of the CHWF and for the delivery of components, materials and personnel to site.

External roads used for non-OW/OD construction traffic have been assessed for suitability for construction and operational traffic. Upgrades are likely to be required. However, specific works will not be determined until component dimensions and quantities have been confirmed nearer to construction. Any resource consents required for works on these roads (such as bridge upgrades, road upgrades and road straightening or widening) will be sought in separate resource consent application(s) and so are not included in the CHWF resource consent applications.

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4.2.5 Earthworks and Excess Fill

The maximum earthworks volume (cut) will be between 6.1 and 8.2 million m3, depending on the selected turbine size and layout configuration. Some earthworks cut material will be used for engineered fill and the remainder will disposed of in excess fill areas on site.

The maximum excess fill volumes are 6.9 million m3 and 9.5 million m3 for medium and large turbine layouts respectively. Indicative excess fill areas have been identified throughout the CHWF site to provide for a volume of 8.8 million m³, but further sites could be identified if required during construction. It is considered that there is adequate excess fill disposal capacity on site.

Earthworks associated with upgrading of the OW/OD route (from Alfredton to site) are estimated to be in the order of 510,000m3 cut to fill or waste.

4.2.6 Temporary Construction Infrastructure

Temporary construction facilities and activities that will be required for construction of the CHWF include:

ƒ Contractor compound: the main centre for construction management. The application provides for ten contractor compounds across the site to allow them to be located conveniently for current construction works. The locations will not be confirmed until final design of the CHWF after resource consent acquisition. The dimensions of the compounds will be approximately 6,000m2. A contractor compound is likely to include:

o Contractor and sub contractor offices and workshops o Parking area o Amenities block with pump out toilet facilities, or portable toilets o Storage facilities o Fuel storage o Power, communications and potable water supply

ƒ Concrete batching plants: Up to four concrete batching plant locations have been proposed. These are likely to be located next to water abstraction points and/or quarries both on-site and off-site, or they will be located on-site closer to construction activities. The locations will be relocatable with only one or two locations concurrently operational at any one time. The locations will not be confirmed until final design of the CHWF after resource consent acquisition.

The concrete batching plants comprise a concrete mixer, cement bins, sand and aggregate stockpiles, water storage tanks and storage areas for equipment and tools. The concrete batching plants will require an area of approximately 6,000 m2.

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ƒ Quarrying and crushing facilities: Eight potential quarry locations have been identified on-site that can provide aggregate for roading and other hard-standing areas. A further two potential quarry locations have been identified on private land off-site. All ten of these quarry sites are included in the resource consent application.

The quarrying and crushing facilities comprise the sites and equipment for extraction and processing of rock and soil from the ground, typically an excavated open pit or cut into a hill. Facilities are likely to include earthmoving equipment, stockpiles, processing plant and amenities.

Crushing facilities will be located around the site, with an approximate footprint of 10m x 20m to allow aggregate to be broken down. An allowance for up to 30 areas is accounted for.

ƒ Central laydown areas: graded, compacted gravelled areas where turbine components can be temporarily stored or construction equipment and material can be placed. Sixteen indicative central laydown area sites have been identified but only ten will be developed. The central laydown areas will be up to 15,600 m2 in size.

ƒ Water storage and abstraction: The maximum water requirement for the project is 360,000m3 with an average daily demand of 300m3/day, including an allowance for concrete making, crushing, truck cleaning, amenities and dust suppression. Four surface water abstraction points have been identified in reasonable proximity to the site and are included in the resource consent application. These abstraction points will each have storage facilities associated with them.

4.2.7 Permanent Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Facilities

The O&M facilities are an important hub for the CHWF, generally acting as a central location for control, operation and maintenance, as well as an entrance to the site for staff and visitors. Key purposes and functions of the O&M facilities include:

ƒ Main store of consumables and special tools

ƒ Location and central hub of wind farm Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, the computer systems that monitor and control infrastructure and processes for the wind farm

ƒ Staff amenities (e.g. office, kitchen, gear storage, etc)

ƒ Workshop for repairs and maintenance that can't easily be done in situ

ƒ Meeting point for visitors needing to meet staff or access the site (contractors, consultants, etc)

ƒ Official portal to site (Health and Safety, induction, sign-in/out)

ƒ Operator (local) and maintenance manager's base

14 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

ƒ Maintenance staff will usually start and finish each day at this location.

It is anticipated that there will be one main O&M facility, and one or more O&M support facilities at other locations within the site.

The main O&M facility is likely to contain several buildings, including workshops, office space, amenities and a domestic sewage disposal system (septic tank). Permanent power and telecommunications will also be required. Sufficient parking will be provided to allow for the expected usage. The total footprint of the main O&M facility, including parking, building and land area bounded by a perimeter fence will be no greater than 135m x 135m and 15m in height.

Operation of the wind farm is likely to involve up to 40 full time equivalent personnel.

4.3 Construction Activities and Programme

4.3.1 Construction Activities

The likely sequence of construction works for the CHWF site is provided below. It is noted that several activities will take place in parallel and the actual order of construction may be subject to change in order to enable the individual steps to be completed in a coordinated manner.

ƒ Upgrade external roads required for access to site

ƒ Install erosion and sediment control measures

ƒ Establish temporary contractor compound

ƒ Develop on-site quarries

ƒ Construct water abstraction and storage facilities

ƒ Construct or upgrade internal roads providing access within the site

ƒ Establish, utilise and rehabilitate the excess fill areas

ƒ Upgrade or construct appropriate stormwater management structures

ƒ Establish the central laydown areas

ƒ Construct the turbine platforms

ƒ Establish concrete batching plants

ƒ Excavate and construct reinforced concrete turbine foundations

ƒ Construct the substation platforms

ƒ Install EBoP components 15 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

ƒ Staged delivery of turbine components

ƒ Install and commission turbines

ƒ Remove temporary services and site offices

ƒ Rehabilitate contractor compound, central laydown areas and general site reinstatement

Construction works will be completed progressively. Once the construction works in a particular area are completed, site rehabilitation will commence.

4.3.2 Construction programme

Three indicative construction programmes have been developed, ranging from low to high intensity of development. The proposed construction programmes have the following time frames:

ƒ High intensity construction – 159 weeks

ƒ Medium intensity construction – 247 weeks

ƒ Low intensity construction – 354 weeks

The high intensity programme assumes two construction teams will work in parallel in different areas for earthworks, turbine foundations and roading activities. The other programmes assume one construction team in operation at the site at any one time. It is estimated that there will be up to 135 personnel on site on any one day under the low to medium intensity construction scenarios and up to 185 personnel under the high intensity construction programme.

Full details of the CHWF project are provided in Volume 1, Section 4 and Volume 2, Appendix A of the AEE

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5 Consultation

Genesis Energy recognises that consultation is an ongoing and integral component of the resource consent application process, both prior to and after the formal lodging of the applications and AEE, and through the construction and operational life of the CHWF. Accordingly, a comprehensive consultation programme has been undertaken for the CHWF project that provides opportunities for all parties who have an interest in the project to identify issues of concern, and for Genesis Energy to clarify and resolve, where possible, any such issues in the development process. This is in accordance with Genesis Energy’s Environmental Values which state (amongst other things) that the Company will foster close relationships with the community and stakeholders, so that their views can be incorporated into the environmental decision-making processes.

The consultation process that Genesis Energy has followed in the preparation to lodge resource consent applications for the CHWF project has included:

ƒ Community consultation through public open days, project newsletters and general information provision.

ƒ Identifying neighbouring landowners and residents, and undertaking ongoing consultation.

ƒ Identifying key stakeholders for the project.

ƒ Identifying and establishing consultation with tangata whenua.

ƒ Identifying parties who may be potentially affected by the project.

ƒ Identifying parties who may be interested in the project.

ƒ Preparation and updating of consultation material to keep all stakeholders, and affected and interested parties up-to-date with project developments.

ƒ Obtaining feedback, and identifying concerns or potential issues from all parties.

ƒ Responding to feedback and addressing concerns or issues raised throughout the project development.

In addition to the specific consultation undertaken with neighbouring landowners and residents, key stakeholders, tangata whenua, the wider community, and other interested or potentially affected parties, the Genesis Energy project team have been available throughout the course of the project development to any party who wished to meet and discuss particular aspects or concerns.

Genesis Energy is committed to on-going consultation in the form of one-to-one and/or group discussions and meetings.

Full details of the consultation process is provided in Volume 1, Section 7 of the AEE.

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6 Assessment of Environmental Effects

A series of environmental assessments have been undertaken through the preliminary and project design phases of the CHWF development process. Through each phase, environmental values and engineering practicalities have been integrated to ensure that appropriate environmental outcomes are achieved.

The environmental assessments undertaken are outlined below and summarised in Section 6.1.

Topic Area Description Electricity related Assessment of the electricity industry related effects of the effects (socio- CHWF project. economic) Economic impacts Assessment of the potential economic effect of the construction, (socio-economic) operation and maintenance of the CHWF on the local and regional economies. Recreation and Identification of recreation and tourism activities and values in the tourism (socio- area and assessment of potential positive and adverse effects of economic) the CWHF on these activities and values. Landscape and Outlines the existing landscape context, and assesses the visual potential landscape and visual effects associated withthe CWHF. The suitability of the northern Wairarapa landscape to accommodate a wind farm is also assessed. Noise Assesses the noise characteristics of the wind farm and existing environment. Assesses compliance with the noise limits set out in the Wind Farm Noise Standard NZS: 6808:2010. Traffic and Investigates routes for delivery of the turbine components from transport the arrival port. Identifies the amount of traffic generation during the construction and operation of the CHWF and assesses the potential traffic effects on the local road network including effects on specific events, time travel conveniences, driver distraction, school bus travel, other road users, site access and road safety. Water sources Identifies potential water sources for construction requirements, and assesses the potential effects of the proposed water takes on surface water hydrology, water quality, and other water users. Hydrology Assesses the effects of the wind farm on water quality, flood risk, sediment control, ground water flow and water supplies. Groundwater Identifies the groundwater resources in the CHWF area, and assesses the potential effects of the construction and operation of the CHWF on these resources. Aquatic ecology Classifies the aquatic communities and habitats at the CHWF site and assesses the potential effects on these communities and habitats.

18 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Ecology Classifies the ecological environment of the site and the surrounding area, and assesses the potential effects of the construction and operation of the CHWF on the ecological values at the site. Shadow flicker Assessment of potential shadow flicker effects. Cultural Setting Outlines the cultural setting, including the iwi who Genesis Energy understands hold mana whenua in the Wairarapa Region, identifies areas of cultural significance, and assesses the potential effects of the CHWF on iwi values. Archaeology Identifies archaeological values and sites, and heritage features within, or in the vicinity of the CHWF, and assesses the potential effects of the CHWF on these sites. Accidental discovery protocols and environmental management processes are developed to ensure appropriate management of unidentified archaeological sites. Radio and Assesses the potential effects (e.g. scattering or obstruction) on telecommunications radio and telecommunications, and identifies mitigation options. Aviation Assesses potential effects on aviation services, including defined flight paths and approaches to airports, RADAR services and agricultural aviation, and identifies appropriate management methods. Health effects Discusses the potential health effects from electric and magnetic fields associated with the CHWF, and proposed methods for minimising and mitigating such effects.

6.1 Potential Environmental Effects

6.1.1 Socio-Economic Effects

The CHWF will make a material contribution to the electricity sector, at both the national and regional level. Electricity related benefits include: contributing towards meeting projected growth in electricity demand via renewable energy, the diversification of generation supply options, assisting with the reduction in carbon emissions associated with electricity generation, and providing a local supply of electricity to the Central Electricity Region. Overall, the CHWF will provide positive benefits to the electricity supply system in New Zealand.

The CHWF will have a positive effect on the economies of the Masterton and Tararua Districts. Throughout the construction and operation/maintenance phases of the project, the CHWF will make a material contribution towards Gross Domestic Product and employment in the Tararua and Masterton Districts. It will also diversify the industry base in both districts, which relies heavily on the primary sector as part of its economy.

A number of indirect economic benefits would occur with the increase in employment, and the subsequent increase in population and include an increase in population-based services, such as medical facilities and schools. Furthermore, roading infrastructure in

19 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary the vicinity of the site will be improved as this is required to accommodate construction traffic.

6.1.2 Effects on Recreation and Tourism Activities

Recreation and tourism activities within a 15km radius from the turbine corridor are generally small-scale, and are often a diversification of farming activities (such as on- farm backpackers, gardens and motorcycle tours). Castlepoint is the most significant visitor setting in the area, with Tinui benefiting from the associated traffic. Route 52 has limited presence as a tourism route, but has appeal as a back-road motorcycle, driving and cycling route.

Given the relatively low level of use of existing tourism and recreational activities in the general area, and the fact that all current recreational activities will retain almost all of their setting and experience characteristics during the construction and operation of the CHWF, the net effect of the CHWF on current recreation and tourism activities will be, at most, no more than minor.

6.1.3 Landscape and Visual Effects

From a landscape and visual perspective, the northern Wairarapa hill country landscape is an appropriate location for the CHWF. The CHWF does not impinge upon or compromise any outstanding natural features or landscapes within the northern Wairarapa area. The inland hill country landscape of the northern Wairarapa can accommodate the proposed CHWF without adversely affecting or compromising its rural character or its associated rural activities.

From public roads and rural settlements within 30km of the CHWF, the visual effects will be minor. Of the 109 rural dwellings within 5km and external to the CHWF site, from 61 of these dwellings there are no visual effects due to landform and/or vegetation screening (56%), or the potential visual effects are assessed as being low (33%). From seven (6%) of the dwellings the potential visual effects have been assessed as being moderate and from five (5%) of the dwellings the potential visual effects have been assessed as being high. Discussions on visual effects and possible landscape mitigation is continuing with respect to four external dwellings on three neighbouring properties.

The landscape effects of the earthworks associated with internal roads, turbine platform construction and other earthworks will generally not be visible from locations beyond the CHWF site. Where visible these activities can be effectively managed and mitigated.

From public roads and rural dwellings in the northern Wairarapa area, the cumulative visual effects of the Tararua – Ruahine Range wind farms and the consented Waitahora Wind Farm will not generally be apparent due to the screening effects of intervening landforms and existing vegetation, as well as distance and orientation relative to potential viewpoints.

20 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

6.1.4 Noise Effects

Noise generated during the construction of the CHWF can comply with the provisions of construction noise standard NZS6803, as required by the TDC and MDC District Plans. Construction noise from upgrades to external roads will, in some cases, exceed the noise limits in NZS6803 for temporary periods, and mitigation measures have been proposed to address this where necessary.

NZS6808 provides the noise performance standard for wind farms and establishes a noise limit of 40 dBA L90 or 5 dB above the existing ambient background sound level, whichever is the higher. The CHWF can be designed so that noise effects from turbines will comply with NZS6808 at all external dwellings. At one external dwelling the noise level from the loudest indicative turbine layout exceeds 40 dBA, but complies with NZS6808 on the basis of a higher noise limit due to high existing background noise level. The final design will ensure that compliance with NZS6808 will be achieved by design of the CWHF, or by establishing that the elevated noise limit is appropriate over a variety of seasonal variations.

Noise from the main and satellite substations, and the Internal Transmission Line can comply with noise standards set in the TDC and MDC District Plans. Road traffic noise from internal roads during the operational stage will be 46 dB LA10 or less at all external dwellings, consistent with those anticipated by NZS6803 and are considered reasonable in this context of their limited duration.

A Construction Noise Management Plan and an Operational Noise Management Plan will be prepared to ensure that the construction and operation of the CHWF complies with all relevant noise standards, and that measures are in place to avoid, remedy or mitigate situations where those standards are breached. Conditions of consent will ensure that the noise emissions from the CHWF project will comply with the relevant noise standards.

While noise from the CWHF may be audible outside external dwellings at times, the noise level is sufficiently low to avoid sleep disturbance and will not result in adverse amenity effects, therefore it is concluded that noise effects are no more than minor.

6.1.5 Traffic Effects

Traffic volumes will increase as a result of the CHWF project, with most increases occurring during the construction phase of the project. The peak daily traffic activity of any of the programmes is expected to generate total additional traffic volumes of between 205 and 451 vehicles per day (two way). Peak hour demands can be expected to generate up to between 96 to 133 movements (two way total). The maximum increase in average daily vehicle movements during the construction phase will be between 221 and 359 movements, depending on what construction programme is adopted. Analysis of the local road network has shown that in a capacity sense, the increase in traffic movements can be readily accommodated within the network. However, given that a significant portion of these traffic movements will be heavy commercial vehicles (HCV’s), a number of mitigation and management measures will be required to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the road network.

21 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Numerous improvements and upgrades to the External Roads between Alfredton and the site will be necessary to safely accommodate the increase in vehicle movements, and ensure that through-traffic is not unduly restricted by HCV and OW/OD Vehicles accessing the site. Such improvements include the straightening of horizontal and vertical alignments, the widening of the carriageway and the upgrading (or in some cases replacement) of bridge structures.

A construction traffic management plan (““CTMP”) is proposed that will provide an appropriate set of managed controls and protocols specific to the CHWF. The CTMP will be a live document that can be amended to account for changes in the project schedule and to address matters that arise during the construction process. CHWF contractors, stakeholders, the TDC and the MDC will all be involved in the preparation of the CTMP.

Traffic generation during the operation of the CHWF will involve up to 80 vehicle trips per day, which will not be discernable on the road network.

With traffic management, road improvements and mitigation measures, it is expected that the safe and efficient operation of the road network will continue with less than minor effects arising as a result of the CHWF.

6.1.6 Potential Effects on Water Resources

Baseline surveys of the watercourses in the vicinity of the CHWF site identified no notable aquatic values being present aside from the presence of two threatened species (freshwater crayfish and longfin eel). This reflects the predominantly agricultural land use in the catchments, the general lack of riparian protection, and the steep and erosion-prone soft-sedimentary soils that dominate the site. This results in high levels of sediment run-off in the catchment, particularly during and immediately after high rainfall events. The Proposed Wellington Regional Policy Statement identifies that the Tauweru, Whareama, and Mataikona Rivers meet one or more criteria relating to rivers with significant indigenous ecosystems. However, these features primarily relate to river reaches outside the CHWF site.

Potential effects on surface water during the construction and operation of the CHWF include effects on water quality though increased erosion and sedimentation from earthwork activities, changes to surface water hydrology from water abstraction, effects on aquatic ecology due to changes in water quality and flow regimes, and effects on flood risk from new impervious structures in the catchment.

Appropriate erosion and sediment controls will be prepared in advance of construction activities at each earthworks site and submitted to the relevant Council prior to construction commencing. Monitoring of the receiving environment will ensure erosion and sediment control practices are operating effectively. Overall, with appropriate assessment, design, controls, site management and monitoring, effects on surface water quality will be, at most, no more than minor.

22 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Proposed temporary water abstractions during construction will comply with the allocation framework set out in the relevant planning documents, and minimum and residual flows are proposed for each water abstraction site to ensure flow regimes are maintained at a sufficient level to sustain in-stream ecological values and to minimise effects on other water users, and to ensure flow regimes are maintained at a sufficient level to sustain in-stream ecological values. All in-stream structures will also incorporate appropriate screening, and provisions for fish bypass to ensure fish passage is not affected.

Reduced recharge to groundwater during construction is expected to cause a reduction in stream baseflow that is within the natural variation, and will have a no more than minor effect. Flow reduction at springs and seepages will vary depending on the extent of earthworks within the catchment area, with larger flow reductions expected in upper slope locations where earthworks cover a large proportion of a small groundwater catchment. Seepages in this latter category will be a small proportion of the numerous seepages that form part of the ground water resources in the area.

No sediment-related effects on groundwater quality during construction are expected as rock mass joints in the CHWF area are unlikely to be sufficiently and persistently open. The potential for contaminants from accidental spills or leaks of substances used during construction works to affect groundwater quality will be reduced by lining and bunding areas where spills might occur, and the implementation of a Spill Response Plan. Reduced recharge to groundwater during the operational period is expected to have only a minor effect on stream baseflow and spring/seepage flows.

6.1.7 Ecological Effects

Potential construction effects on the ecology of the CHWF site include the loss of habitat for birds, bats, lizards, and invertebrates through vegetation clearance; and the introduction of weed species. The creation of internal roads could also result in easier access for domestic stock into existing areas of indigenous vegetation, and the roading network could, potentially, enhance the movement of pest animals throughout the site.

Vegetation clearance is necessary to enable construction of the CHWF project. Potential adverse effects on existing ecological values have been minimised by avoiding, as much as possible, high value indigenous vegetation through the design of the CHWF. The total area of potential vegetation clearance (including pasture) is approximately 944ha. Most of this (93%) comprises vegetation and habitats of low or negligible ecological value (largely pasture). Indigenous vegetation clearance comprises approximately 66ha.

Potential operational effects include collision with urbine blades by birds and long-tailed bats. Indigenous birds recorded at the site, that are predicted to be at risk of collision include Australasian harrier, southern black-backed gull, black shag, little shag, and little black shag, although very few little shag and little black shag are present. Kereru, tui, and paradise shelduck may also be affected. The ecological effects assessment has found that there are no indigenous fauna species or habitats present that could, potentially, suffer adverse effects.

23 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Overall, taking account of all potential ecological effects, the CHWF site is an appropriate location for the construction and operation of a wind farm, as the vast majority of the vegetation and habitats within and adjacent to the site are of negligible or low ecological value and are dominated by exotic species, being mainly pasture and smaller areas of exotic plantation forest.

6.1.8 Shadow Flicker and Blade Glint Effects

The shadow flicker effects assessment has determined that there will be no significant exposure to shadow flicker for any external dwelling to the CHWF. The predicted maximum exposure to shadow flicker would not exceed 30 hours per year or 30 minutes per day at any external dwelling within 1,100 m of the edge of the turbine corridor, in accordance with international guidelines for acceptable levels of shadow flicker. Some external dwellings are screened by mature vegetation that will either eliminate or assist in mitigating any effects of shadow flicker. A low reflectivity finish will be used for all turbines for the CHWF to ensure the potential for blade glint is avoided, and to ensure adverse effects on external dwellings are no more than minor.

6.1.9 Cultural Effects

Genesis Energy has been consulting with Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitane on the CHWF project. This has also included consultation with hapu / marae affiliated to both Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitane. As a result of this consultation, Rangitane o Wairarapa, Rangitane o Tamaki Nui A Rua, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Kahungunu ki Tamaki Nui a Rua have either prepared, or are currently preparing, a Cultural Impact Assessment or Cultural Values Assessment for the CHWF project.

No evidence has been found relating to any sites of cultural significance being located within the CHWF site.

6.1.10 Effects on Archaeology and Heritage

No archaeological sites have previously been recorded within, or in the general vicinity of, the CHWF site, and no archaeological sites were identified within the turbine corridor during the archaeological survey undertaken at locations of potential archaeological interest for this application. While it is possible that the area was visited and used by Maori in the past (for the forest resources), and the upper ridgelines may have been used as travelling routes through the area, no information is available to confirm this. Overall, the CHWF has no known archaeological significance.

The proposal will not affect any historic buildings in the area, including the two historic woolsheds on Annedale and Manawa Roads classified as ‘Heritage Items’ in the Wairarapa Combined Plan.

The potential for unidentified archaeological remains within the Turbine Corridor is low based on the lack of archaeological sites identified during the desktop review and field survey, the considerable distance of the CHWF site from any recorded archaeological sites, the level of modification across the site, and other environmental variables such

24 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary as altitude and exposed conditions at the site. Should any archaeological sites be exposed during construction, an Accidental Discovery Protocol will be followed and the provisions of the Historic Places Act 1993 will be complied with. Overall, effects on archaeology and heritage are considered to be no more than minor.

6.1.11 Effects on Radio-communication and Telecommunication Services

The three areas of radio-communication and telecommunication service activities that are potentially affected by the CHWF are analogue television, fixed radio linking and VHF mobile radio. No other significant effect on radio-communication and telecommunication services in the area has been identified.

Analogue television in the district will be switched off by 29 September 2013 and replaced by digital transmission, therefore there is no predicted effect on television reception in the area from the CHWF. Four fixed radio links have been identified as being at risk of experiencing interference from the turbines, but none were found to be at risk of experiencing effects from the Internal Transmission Lines. Genesis Energy will continue to consult with the individual service operators to ensure that the CHWF avoids, remedies or mitigates adverse effects on these links.

Four VHF mobile repeater sites are located within the turbine corridor and could potentially be affected by the CHWF. Genesis Energy will continue to consult with the individual licence holders to avoid remedy or mitigate potential effects on their VHF mobile repeater services, and if interference is shown to occur after the turbines are installed, it may be possible to relocate any affected mobile repeater site so that it is sufficiently isolated from the turbines.

Overall, any potential effects of the CHWF on radio-communication and telecommunication services can be mitigated, to the extent that they are no more than minor.

6.1.12 Aviation Effects

Turbines are considered by the CAA to be a navigation hazard (as they are higher than 120m above surrounding ground level) and will therefore be appropriately lit and identified on aeronautical charts, in accordance with CAA requirements. During the construction phase, Genesis Energy will provide regular updates to the CAA in respect of progress and staging of the overall development. The CHWF will therefore not cause an adverse effect in terms of navigable airspace.

The potential effect of turbines and the Internal Transmission Line on fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters used for fertiliser application and weed control in the CHWF site can be managed through the provision of appropriate information and fertiliser and herbicide application planning.

25 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

6.1.13 Electric and Magnetic Fields Effects

All electromagnetic fields from the CHWF will comply by a considerable margin with the relevant limits for general public and occupational exposure, set in the 2010 ICNIRP Guidelines (as endorsed by the New Zealand Ministry of Health). Minimisation of electromagnetic fields can be readily achieved by conventional engineering techniques.

Compliance with ICNIRP Guidelines will ensure that there will be no risk to public health and safety from electromagnetic fields. Overall, the design of the CHWF will have no biological or health effects from electromagnetic fields, and there are no specific design or mitigation requirements other than compliance with the ICNIRP Guidelines to ensure that the effects are no more than minor.

Full details of the assessments are provided in Volume 1, Section 5 and in Volumes 3a and 3b and 4a and 4b of the AEE.

26 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

7 Monitoring, Mitigation and Environmental Management

The CHWF is a significant development with a range of potential environmental effects. Areas of environmental sensitivity have been identified and considered during the design of the CHWF, and potentially significant adverse effects have been avoided as far as is practicable. As not all potential adverse effects can be avoided or remedied, mitigation will be achieved by implementing the range of monitoring and mitigation methods. Proposed monitoring and mitigation and management measures for the construction and operation of the CHWF are provided in Tables 7 and 8 below.

Table 7: Potential Environmental Effects and Environment Mitigation, Monitoring and Management

Potential Mitigation, Monitoring Monitoring and Contingency Environmental and Management reporting Measures Effect Accelerated Use compaction to Report Re-establishment erosion stabilise unstable weekly/monthly of erodible surfaces Inspect surfaces Revegetate surfaces as periodically, Potential for the soon as possible. particularly installation of additional Mulch slopes during inclement weather sediment control Collect stormwater in measures appropriate detention Monitor weather Provide structure Inspect periodically maximum Use structures to storage capacity dissipate energy and in advance of allow for settlement of forecasted sediments. rainfall Adequate supervision Use of Use of appropriate flocculants machinery and Establish cover techniques on topsoil stockpiles such as grassing, mulch or geotextiles.

27 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Potential Mitigation, Monitoring Monitoring and Contingency Environmental and Management reporting Measures Effect Sediment loading Silt fences and improved Inspect Provide more of local waterways silt fences periodically, erosion and as a result of Sediment ponds particularly prior sediment stormwater runoff to and during controls Other structures as from disturbed inclement necessary Use of areas weather flocculants Report weekly/monthly Monitor weather Monitor erosion and sediment control structures Spills and leaks of Contractor / Supplier Inspect facilities Use spill kits On- hazardous required to clean up any weekly site substances, oil, spills immediately Inspect risk Alert emergency fuel or any other Bunded storage of activities weekly response for oil substance harmful hazardous materials Report Monthly spills / pollution to the surrounding Secure storage of fuels hotline environment Prepare and follow a Spill Response Plan Deterioration of air Use of sprinklers and Inspect daily Additional use of quality water trucks to dampen Report monthly water to dampen sources of dust. sources. Monitor weather Restrict Site access to Revegetate Inspect following authorised vehicles stockpiles blast Limit operations to temporarily certain areas within the between use. Site. Minimise extent of stockpile areas. Replace or repair aging plant. Stop work until appropriate blasting plan prepared. Remove any fly material where appropriate.

28 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Potential Mitigation, Monitoring Monitoring and Contingency Environmental and Management reporting Measures Effect Noise pollution Install noise suppression Inspect Cease works equipment where periodically until equipment possible. Report monthly repaired or suppressed. Allow for climatic conditions to improve before works resume. Loss or damage to Revegetation or Inspect as Revegetate ecologically enhancement of other necessary, prior cleared areas sensitive or habitats to mitigate to earthworks and treatment significant clearance; weeding / Report monthly with appropriate vegetation; weed spraying where weedkiller Inspect infestations; loss appropriate; prepare and periodically of fauna habitat follow a Weed Hygiene and Surveillance Plan Monitor ongoing Weeding / spraying where appropriate Relocate sensitive fauna Impacts on fish Supervise installations Aquatic Remove perched movement Relocate trapped fish. monitoring culverts Inspect Installation of fish periodically baffels Report monthly Visual impacts Prompt revegetation and Inspect Recontouring rehabilitation periodically and revegetation Modify contours to relate Report monthly to landform Use of consistent vegetation patterns Impacts on Follow the Accidental Ongoing Cultural / Discovery Protocol for surveillance. Historical features items of archaeological Report on interest discovered. discovery.

29 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Potential Mitigation, Monitoring Monitoring and Contingency Environmental and Management reporting Measures Effect Impacts on local Road Widening Construction traffic Bridge Replacement Traffic Management Traffic management Plan Communication Systems Close liaison Limiting traffic during with local peak periods authorities Close liaison with NZTA Unplanned Collect lost waste. Ongoing Engage distribution of surveillance , personnel to construction waste inspect monitor, manage periodically and collect Report monthly waste.

Table 8: Typical Operations and Maintenance Activities, Effects and Management

Activity Effects Management measures Normal wind Visual effects – i.e. the visual Visual effects have been farm operation impact of the wind turbines determined to be no more than Noise effects – noise emissions minor through normal operation Operational noise effects will be Traffic – routing operations and addressed in the Operational maintenance staff traffic. Noise Management Plan Traffic - driver distraction and Traffic movements associated turbine viewing with the normal operation of the wind farm are not expected to be Ecology – potential bird or bat significantly greater than baseline strike levels. Potential bird strike will be managed through biodiversity management measures including avifauna and bat monitoring plans. Wind farm Visual – temporary change to Effect is negligible and for outages normal appearance of turbines relatively short duration (e.g. (e.g. not rotating) <1day) Negligible other effects expected Scheduled Increased potential for hazardous Compliance with Site maintenance waste (e.g. oils/greases) environmental management (turbine) plan(s) – for example Spill

30 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Activity Effects Management measures Unscheduled Response Plan maintenance (turbine) Major Possible effects including: component Transport and traffic – e.g. Compliance with relevant replacement requirement to import overweight management plans or over-dimension loads Crane usage (minor transport effect, visual) Possible disruption to traffic Civil Sediment and erosion – e.g. Comply with erosion and Maintenance caused by any earthmoving sediment control plan(s) (Internal Roads, activities Comply with quarrying platforms) management plan

Environmental effects management and mitigation will be augmented through the development and implementation of an Environmental Management Plan (“EEMP”) and associated Supplementary Environmental Management Plans (“SSEMPs”). The EMP and associated SEMPs will be prepared during the detailed design phase and will take into account the final CHWF layout and relevant resource consent conditions. The EMP and the various SEMPs will augment the mitigation measures proposed in the AEE and will be provided to the appropriate consent authority for approval prior to construction commencing.

The EMP and SEMPs are documents that can be updated over time to address any issues that arise during preparation for construction or during construction itself. This enables an adaptive environmental management approach to be taken, whereby the environmental management of the particular location, activity, or effect can evolve and improve with advances in technology, knowledge, on-site experience and good practice as required. This adaptive management mechanism enables a “plan-do-check-act” approach to be undertaken whereby the ongoing monitoring and reporting that will be undertaken creates a continuous feedback loop from the effects being created, allowing for the most appropriate solution to be utilised or change of method made for any particular environmental effect.

As a result of the comprehensive proposals for mitigation, monitoring and management of the potential adverse effects, it is considered that the CHWF is an important renewable energy development which appropriately avoids, remedies, or mitigates all its potential adverse effects. When taking account of the project as a whole, overall mitigation of environmental effects will be achieved.

Full details of the monitoring and mitigation is provided in Volume 1, Section 6 of the AEE. Full details of the EMPs and SEMPs is provided in Volume 2, Appendix A of the AEE.

31 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

8 Conclusion

Genesis Energy is proposing to establish and operate the CHWF on privately owned rural land located in the northern Wairarapa. The CHWF site covers some 30,000ha of predominantly pasture land, and is located in a remote, sparsely populated area. The construction footprint will be approximately 861 ha, while the operational footprint of the CHWF will be approximately 226 ha.

The wind resource across the CHWF site is highly suited to a wind farm development and could support up to 286 turbines with a potential nominal capacity of up to 860MW of renewable electricity generation. The electricity produced will be equivalent to that consumed each year by up to 370,000 average New Zealand households.

Resource consents are sought from MWRC, GWRC, TDC and MDC, for the construction, operation, maintenance, replacement and refurbishment of the CHWF and associated infrastructure.

The proposed wind farm design has undergone a number of iterations in response to environmental constraints or areas of environmental sensitivity identified during the assessment period; this includes results of environmental studies and consultation with the community and other stakeholders.

Detailed analysis of the potential socio-economic, landscape and visual, noise, traffic, hydrological, ecological, cultural, archaeological, shadow flicker, radio-communication and telecommunications, aviation and electric and magnetic field effects have been presented in Section 5 of the AEE and Section 8 of this summary. These assessments demonstrate that the effects of the CHWF are either minor in nature, or can be appropriately avoided, remedied, or mitigated.

Genesis Energy has consulted widely with both interested and potentially affected parties about the CHWF. Consultation will continue throughout the construction and operation of the CHWF.

The CHWF will make a material contribution to meeting projected demand growth in electricity, and is consistent with the Government’s overall policy framework to secure energy supply with the development of renewable electricity generation projects.

32 Castle Hill Wind Farm Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary

Appendix 1: Figures

33 Legend NAPIER HASTINGS " CHWF Site "

PalmerstonCouncil North Boundary City "WANGANUI

"PALMERSTON NORTH

Pahiatua "MASTERTON

"WELLINGTON

Makuri Manawatu-Wanganui Region Tararua District Pongaroa

Tiraumea Eketahuna

Alfredton

Mauriceville

Mataikona

Masterton District Wellington Region Bideford

Tinui

Castlepoint

048122 W-CHL-GE-001 Kms

Figure 1: CHWF Location Legend G Wind monitoring masts (existing) Turbine Corridor Turbine Cluster (A-G) CHWF Site Electrial Balance of Plant )"1 Main Substation option 1 )"2 Main Substation option 2 )"3 Satellite Substation )"4 Switching Station (optional) Internal Transmission Line (220kV) A Internal Transmission Line Deviation Internal Roads Turbine access Substation access Internal Transmission Line tower access

B

D C

E G

F

02461 W-CHL-LY-001 Kms

Figure 2: CHWF Layout Overview " "

"

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"

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Council Boundary Indicative Turbine Layout Indicative Internal Road Design Electrical Balance of Plant Indicative Construction Areas CHWF Site ! 80M Turbine Layout 80M Internal Road Substations !(L Central Laydown Areas Turbine Corridor ! 90M Turbine Layout 90M Internal Road Optional Switching Station !(B Concrete Batching Plant Turbine Cluster (A-G) ! "J Electrical Switchgear Huts 100L Turbine Layout 100L Internal Road !(Q " Quarry Locations External Dwellings ! 110L Turbine Layout 110L Internal Road 220kV Internal Transmission Line Towers " Quarry and Crushing Facilities CHWF Landowner Dwellings Internal Substation Access Road 220kV Internal Transmission Line Excess Fill Areas Internal Transmission Line Access Road Optional Internal Transmission Line Deviation !(W Water Take Points ^_ Internal Road Water Course Crossings 33kV Overhead Internal Electrical Lines Water Storage Areas Transport Route 33kV Underground Interal Electrical Cables Non-consent Activity Areas Over-weight/Over-dimension Route EBoP Option 1 Highlight QEII Land Construction Traffic Route EBoP Option 2 Highlight DOC Land OW/OD Transport Route with 3D design % Bridges on External Roads A1 A2 0241 L km A3 A4 CHWF Component Overview Page:1 of 4 Figure 3a Map A1 Scale 1:60,000 at A3 A1 " " " " "

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Council Boundary Indicative Turbine Layout Indicative Internal Road Design Electrical Balance of Plant Indicative Construction Areas CHWF Site ! 80M Turbine Layout 80M Internal Road Substations !(L Central Laydown Areas Turbine Corridor ! 90M Turbine Layout 90M Internal Road Optional Switching Station !(B Concrete Batching Plant Turbine Cluster (A-G) ! "J Electrical Switchgear Huts 100L Turbine Layout 100L Internal Road !(Q " Quarry Locations External Dwellings ! 110L Turbine Layout 110L Internal Road 220kV Internal Transmission Line Towers " Quarry and Crushing Facilities CHWF Landowner Dwellings Internal Substation Access Road 220kV Internal Transmission Line Excess Fill Areas Internal Transmission Line Access Road Optional Internal Transmission Line Deviation !(W Water Take Points ^_ Internal Road Water Course Crossings 33kV Overhead Internal Electrical Lines Water Storage Areas Transport Route 33kV Underground Interal Electrical Cables Non-consent Activity Areas Over-weight/Over-dimension Route EBoP Option 1 Highlight QEII Land Construction Traffic Route EBoP Option 2 Highlight DOC Land OW/OD Transport Route with 3D design % Bridges on External Roads A1 A2 0241 L km A3 A4 CHWF Component Overview Page:2 of 4 Figure 3b Map A2 Scale 1:60,000 at A3 " A1 A2 " " " " "

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Council Boundary Indicative Turbine Layout Indicative Internal Road Design Electrical Balance of Plant Indicative Construction Areas CHWF Site ! 80M Turbine Layout 80M Internal Road Substations !(L Central Laydown Areas Turbine Corridor ! 90M Turbine Layout 90M Internal Road Optional Switching Station !(B Concrete Batching Plant Turbine Cluster (A-G) ! "J Electrical Switchgear Huts 100L Turbine Layout 100L Internal Road !(Q " Quarry Locations External Dwellings ! 110L Turbine Layout 110L Internal Road 220kV Internal Transmission Line Towers " Quarry and Crushing Facilities CHWF Landowner Dwellings Internal Substation Access Road 220kV Internal Transmission Line Excess Fill Areas Internal Transmission Line Access Road Optional Internal Transmission Line Deviation !(W Water Take Points ^_ Internal Road Water Course Crossings 33kV Overhead Internal Electrical Lines Water Storage Areas Transport Route 33kV Underground Interal Electrical Cables Non-consent Activity Areas Over-weight/Over-dimension Route EBoP Option 1 Highlight QEII Land Construction Traffic Route EBoP Option 2 Highlight DOC Land OW/OD Transport Route with 3D design % Bridges on External Roads A1 A2 0241 L km A3 A4 CHWF Component Overview Page:3 of 4 Figure 3c Map A3 Scale 1:60,000 at A3 A1 A2 !!

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Council Boundary Indicative Turbine Layout Indicative Internal Road Design Electrical Balance of Plant Indicative Construction Areas CHWF Site ! 80M Turbine Layout 80M Internal Road Substations !(L Central Laydown Areas Turbine Corridor ! 90M Turbine Layout 90M Internal Road Optional Switching Station !(B Concrete Batching Plant Turbine Cluster (A-G) ! "J Electrical Switchgear Huts 100L Turbine Layout 100L Internal Road !(Q " Quarry Locations External Dwellings ! 110L Turbine Layout 110L Internal Road 220kV Internal Transmission Line Towers " Quarry and Crushing Facilities CHWF Landowner Dwellings Internal Substation Access Road 220kV Internal Transmission Line Excess Fill Areas Internal Transmission Line Access Road Optional Internal Transmission Line Deviation !(W Water Take Points ^_ Internal Road Water Course Crossings 33kV Overhead Internal Electrical Lines Water Storage Areas Transport Route 33kV Underground Interal Electrical Cables Non-consent Activity Areas Over-weight/Over-dimension Route EBoP Option 1 Highlight QEII Land Construction Traffic Route EBoP Option 2 Highlight DOC Land OW/OD Transport Route with 3D design % Bridges on External Roads A1 A2 0241 L km A3 A4 CHWF Component Overview Page:4 of 4 Figure 3d Map A4 Scale 1:60,000 at A3 To Port of Napier Legend on SH2 Port of Napier NAPIER CHWF Site " " Council boundary HASTINGS PalmerstonInternal North Roads City (indicative) "WANGANUI External Roads "PALMERSTON NORTH Over-weight/Over-dimension route K a i ta Additional construction traffic route w a R " o MASTERTON a d "WELLINGTON

Horowhenua District d a o R y e l l a Ha V

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Carterton District 03691.5 W-CHL-TP-001 km

Figure 6: External Roads