Mitigation

Some steps to minimise the effects of thermal energy generation on water quality and mahinga kai.

The mitigation options suggested below can be linked to the effects described in the impacts pages.

Instream barriers

• Divert fish away from intake screens and outlet pipes to avoid impingement/entrainment on intake screens, i.e., use fish buckets.
• Monitor fish migrations to provide optimal conditions during migration - e.g., avoid operating at certain times of year or at extreme temperatures.

Riparian vegetation - maintaining fish habitat

• Maintain, restore, and enhance riparian vegetation and wetland areas - these areas serve as spawning grounds and shoaling habitats for mahinga kai. Wetland areas and native planting also create refuge areas, lower water temperature and provide a food source of invertebrates for mahinga kai species.
• Create natural meanders, low flow channels, and rest areas for mahinga kai species.

Water flow and storage

• Regulate minimum and maximum flow levels.
• Maintain natural channels and depth.
• Reduce cooling water temperatures before discharging to prevent. temperatures from reaching lethal or extreme levels.