Mitigation

Options to minimise the impacts of wind energy generation activities on water quality and mahinga kai.

Riparian vegetation - maintaining fish habitat

• Maintain, restore, and enhance riparian vegetation and wetland areas, both serve as spawning ground and shoaling habitat 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.

Decrease sediments, nutrient, and contaminant inputs

• Reduce contaminants and nutrients entering the water by planting riparian vegetation, and maintaining and incorporating vegetated areas and constructed wetlands along river margins in restoration projects.
• Prior to earthworks commencing, ensure erosion and sediment controls are installed, and use an erosion and sediment control plan. This might include recommendations for perimeter bunds for stormwater diversion, silt fencing, and sediment ponds.
• An environmental assessment study should be undertaken. Habitat restoration planning should focus on enhancing and re-establishing the natural environment of the ecological community of the area.